The inauguration of Joe Biden

By Meg Wagner, Melissa Mahtani, Melissa Macaya, Mike Hayes, Veronica Rocha and Fernando Alfonso III, CNN

Updated 12:42 a.m. ET, January 21, 2021
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3:35 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Here's the sacred significance of the Tomb of the Unknown where former presidents lay a wreath with Biden

From CNN's Josiah Ryan

Presidential historian Timothy Naftali reminded viewers of the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery, as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — in a wreath-laying ceremony.

"100 years ago on Inauguration Day, Congress decided that an unidentified soldier who died in World War I would are buried at that spot, and for 100 years, that has been a sacred spot," said Naftali. "I cannot imagine a more poignant place for our former presidents to gather to deliver a message, a visual message of unity, at a time of anxiety, pain and suffering in our country."

Naftali said the moment also served as a reminder that the might of America's military belongs to the people that it had withstood any attempts to corrupt its purpose in the previous four years. 

"When the history of the last four years is written, the story of our military and how it generally lived up to the highest principles of its tradition, despite the pressure to be corrupted will be a powerful story," he said. "I think it's also appropriate that this laying on of hands of the former presidents with President Biden is occurring at a national sacred spot also at the beating heart of our military."

Watch:

2:57 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Hillary Clinton on Joe Biden: "I think that the moment and the man are made for each other"

From CNN's Annie Grayer

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, said that Joe Biden is made for this moment.

“I think that the moment and the man are made for each other,” Clinton said.

Clinton said she was “relieved and grateful” to be able to attend inauguration. 

“I was so relieved and grateful that we were able to celebrate the transfer of power in a peaceful way, which has been a hallmark of our country,” Clinton said. “It meant a great deal to so many Americans to see the ceremony conducted on the platform where just a few weeks ago marauders and terrorists had been attempting to stop democracy, so it really lifted my heart.”

Talking further about why Biden is the right leader for the moment, Clinton said “he brings a deep sense of empathy, rising out of his own personal experiences. But it's a clear part of his character to listen to people, to people, try to lift people up. And I think our country right now needs a caring, compassionate, empathetic leader. And Joe Biden is all of that.”

On Kamala Harris becoming a historic vice president, Clinton said she was "thrilled." 

“But I was also delighted because she's a friend of mine. I am convinced she's going to be a terrific partner to Joe Biden and, you know, really put all of her experience and the expertise to work on behalf of the American people. I don't think we could ask for anything more," she said. 

2:51 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Here's a look at what Inauguration Day events come next

Following their inauguration ceremony earlier today, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Arlington National Cemetery where they were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Here's a look at what events come next:

  • 3:15 p.m. ET: Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Harris and second gentlemen Doug Emhoff receive a presidential escort to the White House and the virtual "Parade Across America" is set begin.
  • 5:15 p.m. ET: Biden signs executive orders and other presidential actions.
  • 5:45 p.m. ET: Biden swears in presidential appointees in a virtual ceremony.
  • 7 p.m. ET: White House press secretary Jen Psaki holds the first press briefing.
  • 8:48 p.m. ET: Biden and Harris deliver remarks at the “Celebrating America” inaugural program.

Read more about today's events here.

3:39 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Biden team already kicking legislative operation into gear

From CNN's Phil Mattingly

Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP/Pool/Getty Images
Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP/Pool/Getty Images

It’s no secret President Joe Biden is a creature of the Senate, but given the significant policy pushes they plan to make, it is notable that his team has already started laying the groundwork for the bipartisan cooperation he has said he wants.

Sources say his economic team has briefed lawmakers in both chambers, some on an individual basis, over the course of the last several days, as they attempt to lay the groundwork for their stimulus proposal. 

Biden’s legislative affairs team is packed with respected Hill vets – Shuwanza Goff on the House side and Reema Dodin on the Senate side – who will play a huge role in what, if anything, gets accomplished in the coming weeks and months on legislation. 

What to watch: Pay attention to the executive actions today and over the next several days. But make no mistake – Biden’s team is laying the groundwork for a major legislative push, and they’ve staffed up in a way they think will give them a real opportunity to get something done.

4:05 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Happening now: Biden participates in wreath-laying ceremony with Obama, Clinton and Bush

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also at the event.

Watch the moment:

2:24 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

White House and Oval Office in middle of Biden makeover

From CNN's Kaitlan Collins

Before President Joe Biden even reaches the White House, some members of his staff have already arrived in the West Wing and are beginning to unpack.

Aides tell CNN they arrived moments after Biden was sworn in.

A hallway in the West Wing filled with framed photographs of the Trump administration was swiftly replaced with gold-framed images of Biden’s last speech in Delaware and Tuesday night’s Covid-19 memorial on the National Mall, including photos of the President and the first lady.  

Aides from the information technology department were seen removing keyboards from every desk and replacing them with a fresh, new keyboard, along with monitors and docking stations. A cart full of new keyboards was in the hallway between lower and upper press offices.  

In addition to the new tech gear, each desk had a “personal desk starter kit” with basic office supplies, as well as a sheet with emergency procedure protocols, and the names and phone numbers of different offices.  

Plexiglass barricades were installed at the desk of a US Secret Service agent stationed in the West Wing.

2:19 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulates Biden and Harris on inauguration

From CNN's Ghazi Balkiz 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, wishing them success in facing the big challenges ahead, according to WAFA, the Palestinian official news agency.

"We look forward to working together for peace and stability in the region and the world," Abbas said in his letter to Biden, WAFA reported.

Abbas affirmed his readiness for "a comprehensive and just peace process that would achieve the aspirations of the Palestinian people in freedom and independence." WAFA added.

2:12 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Biden is riding in a car with a "46" plate

CNN
CNN

The secure car President Joe Biden is traveling in today has a double-digit plate: 46, in honor of Biden becoming the US's 46th president.

Biden took the oath of office at the Capitol earlier today. He's now traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

2:12 p.m. ET, January 20, 2021

Biden travels to Arlington National Cemetery for wreath-laying ceremony with Obama, Clinton and Bush

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Bidens will be joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Biden participated in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military after his inauguration ceremony to review the readiness of military troops.

Pass in reviews are a military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief.