[Biden Inauguration] From Division to Unity... The Oath of a New America

Restoration of Alliance Relations and Active Engagement in International Issues Declared
Abolition of Trump Isolationism and Return to Paris Climate Agreement and WHO
"Victory of American Democracy... I Will Put My Soul into Unity"

U.S. President Joe Biden is taking the oath of office at the inauguration ceremony held at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on the 20th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, promised the world the restoration of alliances and the resumption of engagement policies as his inaugural message. President Biden, as his first official acts, ordered the return to the Paris Agreement on climate change and the World Health Organization (WHO), both decisions reversed from former President Donald Trump’s policies, and mandated mask-wearing, signaling a strong intention to break from the Trump era.

On the 20th (local time), at the outdoor stage of the Capitol, President Biden delivered a speech after taking the oath of office, declaring his commitment to restore relationships with allies and actively engage in international issues. Domestically, he aimed for unity, and externally, he expressed his determination to establish a new world order through alliances.

At the very site that shocked the United States and the world just two weeks prior due to the storming by supporters of former President Trump, President Biden declared the victory of democracy and said, "I pledge my soul to the unity of America." In the evening, during an inaugural commemorative online performance held at the Lincoln Memorial, he also emphasized healing through unity by stating, "Democracy has prevailed."

Early in his speech, President Biden highlighted the victory of American democracy and social unity, then said, "This is my message to the people beyond our borders. America has been tested, and we have become stronger," adding, "We will restore alliances and reengage with the world to address not yesterday’s challenges but those of today and tomorrow." He further emphasized, "We will lead not simply by the example of power but by the power of example," and stated, "We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, prosperity, and security."

This signifies the abandonment of former President Trump’s America First and isolationist policies. Four years ago, in his inaugural speech, Trump emphasized America First by claiming, "America has sacrificed its industries to enrich foreign industries and neglected the U.S. military to the point of being pitiful while supporting foreign armies." Regarding Biden’s speech, CNN reported, "President Biden pledged a shift away from his predecessor’s isolationist policies."

President Biden did not mention China, North Korea, or Iran in his speech. Experts assess that he will focus on domestic affairs first and unveil foreign policy after consultations with allies rather than addressing diplomatic issues immediately.

President Biden is giving a speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the celebration concert held on the evening of his inauguration day.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

President Biden began his official duties by signing 17 executive orders and agency actions on the same day. By rejoining the Paris Agreement and WHO, which former President Trump had disregarded in favor of ignoring alliances and international relations, Biden reaffirmed America’s return to the international community. At the same time, he expressed his determination to erase the legacy of the Trump administration through swift policy implementation early in his term. The political media outlet The Hill reported that President Biden is expected to sign 53 executive actions over the next 10 days.