Joe Biden Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research
Updated 2:14 PM EST, Tue January 17, 2023
Joe Biden is sworn in as president by Chief Justice John Roberts on January 20, 2021. Holding the Bible is Biden's wife, Jill. His children Ashley and Hunter are on the right.
Joe Biden is sworn in as president by Chief Justice John Roberts on January 20, 2021. Holding the Bible is Biden's wife, Jill. His children Ashley and Hunter are on the right.
Erin Schaff/Pool/The New York Times/AP
Fireworks are seen above the White House at the end of the Inauguration Day events.
Fireworks are seen above the White House at the end of the Inauguration Day events.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images
Biden holds his grandson Beau inside the White House.
Biden holds his grandson Beau inside the White House.
Evan Vucci/AP
Singer Katy Perry performs her song "Firework" during the celebrations.
Singer Katy Perry performs her song "Firework" during the celebrations.
Joshua Roberts/Pool/Getty Images
National Guard members watch the fireworks from Black Lives Matter Plaza.
National Guard members watch the fireworks from Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Biden delivers remarks from the Lincoln Memorial during the prime-time "Celebrating America" event. "It is humbling to stand here in this place in front of these sacred words," <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_b6d418bf3ba02512f0a1668e1316381b" target="_blank">Biden said during the live television broadcast.</a> "Humbling out of respect to President Lincoln and the office we now share and humbling because of you, the American people."
Biden delivers remarks from the Lincoln Memorial during the prime-time "Celebrating America" event. "It is humbling to stand here in this place in front of these sacred words," Biden said during the live television broadcast. "Humbling out of respect to President Lincoln and the office we now share and humbling because of you, the American people."
Tom Brenner/Reuters
White House press secretary Jen Psaki takes questions from journalists after Biden's inauguration. Psaki confirmed that she would hold daily briefings. She told the reporters in the room that she would butt heads with them sometimes but that "we have a common goal, which is sharing accurate information with the American people."
White House press secretary Jen Psaki takes questions from journalists after Biden's inauguration. Psaki confirmed that she would hold daily briefings. She told the reporters in the room that she would butt heads with them sometimes but that "we have a common goal, which is sharing accurate information with the American people."
Tom Brenner/Reuters
Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_b0e7cda38452246c6c2b8098317483e6" target="_blank">swears in presidential appointees</a> during a virtual ceremony. Biden told his new staff members they shouldn't be working for him unless they were serious about forcing change. "We have a chance to change things," he said. "That's the reason I got involved in politics. I really mean it. So you shouldn't be doing this unless you feel it."
Biden swears in presidential appointees during a virtual ceremony. Biden told his new staff members they shouldn't be working for him unless they were serious about forcing change. "We have a chance to change things," he said. "That's the reason I got involved in politics. I really mean it. So you shouldn't be doing this unless you feel it."
Evan Vucci/AP
Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/politics/executive-actions-biden/index.html" target="_blank">signs executive orders</a> in the Oval Office after his inauguration. "There's no time to start like today," Biden told reporters as he began signing a stack of orders and memoranda. "I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people."
Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office after his inauguration. "There's no time to start like today," Biden told reporters as he began signing a stack of orders and memoranda. "I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people."
Evan Vucci/AP
Biden arrives at the White House for the first time as president.
Biden arrives at the White House for the first time as president.
Evan Vucci/AP
While traveling to the White House, Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_eee3c39030d47d9b4df3c492d5840414" target="_blank">exited the presidential vehicle and walked the last stretch with his family.</a>
While traveling to the White House, Biden exited the presidential vehicle and walked the last stretch with his family.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Biden stops to talk with someone on the way to the White House.
Biden stops to talk with someone on the way to the White House.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Members of the military walk past the White House during Biden's abbreviated parade.
Members of the military walk past the White House during Biden's abbreviated parade.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
The drumline from the University of Delaware takes part in Biden's inaugural parade.
The drumline from the University of Delaware takes part in Biden's inaugural parade.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Vice President Kamala Harris <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_5038a46c9c7d2b4bbca07ce4c1551f4c" target="_blank">walks with her family to the White House.</a>
Vice President Kamala Harris walks with her family to the White House.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Members of Howard University's drumline watch Biden's motorcade.
Members of Howard University's drumline watch Biden's motorcade.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Biden and Harris participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia
Biden and Harris participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia
Evan Vucci/AP
A band parades past the new president and vice president.
A band parades past the new president and vice president.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Biden, Harris and their spouses leave the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony.
Biden, Harris and their spouses leave the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Three former US presidents and first ladies wait for President Biden during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From left are Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton.
Three former US presidents and first ladies wait for President Biden during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From left are Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton.
Tom Brenner/Reuters
Biden <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_488c3da95151027f486b70a32bc42e0d" target="_blank">signs three documents</a> after his swearing-in ceremony: his inauguration day proclamation, his nominations for the Cabinet and his nominations for sub-Cabinet positions.
Biden signs three documents after his swearing-in ceremony: his inauguration day proclamation, his nominations for the Cabinet and his nominations for sub-Cabinet positions.
Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool/AP
Keith Hodson pops a bottle of champagne on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
Keith Hodson pops a bottle of champagne on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, follow former Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence after the inauguration.
Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, follow former Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence after the inauguration.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Historical military attire is worn for the "pass in review," a tradition where the incoming president reviews a procession of military troops.
Historical military attire is worn for the "pass in review," a tradition where the incoming president reviews a procession of military troops.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
Harris leaves after the inauguration.
Harris leaves after the inauguration.
Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Getty Images
The Obamas leave the Capitol after the inauguration.
The Obamas leave the Capitol after the inauguration.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Jill Biden embraces her husband after his inaugural address.
Jill Biden embraces her husband after his inaugural address.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
A man watches a live broadcast of the inauguration from Times Square in New York.
A man watches a live broadcast of the inauguration from Times Square in New York.
Wang Ying/Xinhua/Getty Images
Biden delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path," Biden said as he called on Americans to come together. "We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this."
Biden delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path," Biden said as he called on Americans to come together. "We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this."
Patrick Semansky/AP
Jackson Smith cheers as he watches the inauguration with his family at their home in Beverly Hills, Michigan.
Jackson Smith cheers as he watches the inauguration with his family at their home in Beverly Hills, Michigan.
Emily Elconin/Reuters
The Biden family shares a hug at the inauguration.
The Biden family shares a hug at the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
The Bidens walk out for the inauguration.
The Bidens walk out for the inauguration.
Chang W. Lee/Pool/The New York Times/AP
Harris is sworn in as vice president as her husband holds the Bible. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_ce6f777c3f47c0f7d262b4ae26c0d62f" target="_blank">as a nod to Shirley Chisholm,</a> the first African-American woman to run for president.
Harris is sworn in as vice president as her husband holds the Bible. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple as a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to run for president.
Andrew Harnik/Pool/AP
Kelsey Nix watches the inauguration from Manuel's Tavern, a bar in Atlanta.
Kelsey Nix watches the inauguration from Manuel's Tavern, a bar in Atlanta.
Jessica McGowan/Getty Images
Guests are seated at the Capitol before Biden's swearing-in. The VIPs in attendance were spread out because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Guests are seated at the Capitol before Biden's swearing-in. The VIPs in attendance were spread out because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
Biden raises his right hand as he takes the oath of office.
Biden raises his right hand as he takes the oath of office.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Biden speaks from the West Front of the US Capitol.
Biden speaks from the West Front of the US Capitol.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Former President Barack Obama congratulates Biden after the swearing-in. Biden was Obama's vice president for eight years.
Former President Barack Obama congratulates Biden after the swearing-in. Biden was Obama's vice president for eight years.
Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty Images
Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_5818ddd1619fe02d7f3b2b30bdfaf331" target="_blank">delivered a message of resilience</a> at the inauguration. "We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free," she said. "We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will become the future."
Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, delivered a message of resilience at the inauguration. "We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free," she said. "We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will become the future."
Patrick Semansky/Pool/AP
Pennsylvania Avenue is blocked by security during the inauguration.
Pennsylvania Avenue is blocked by security during the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
The Bidens kiss at the inauguration ceremony.
The Bidens kiss at the inauguration ceremony.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
The Bidens walk out on stage for the inauguration.
The Bidens walk out on stage for the inauguration.
Jim Bourg/Reuters
Officials transfer motorcade license plates ahead of the inauguration.
Officials transfer motorcade license plates ahead of the inauguration.
Melina Mara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Biden's son Hunter attends the inauguration with his own son, Beau.
Biden's son Hunter attends the inauguration with his own son, Beau.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images
Jennifer Lopez <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_55aa13d6beb945fb80524ae366fc8608" target="_blank">sings during the ceremony.</a> She performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land."
Jennifer Lopez sings during the ceremony. She performed "America the Beautiful" and "This Land Is Your Land."
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Lopez is escorted to the inauguration.
Lopez is escorted to the inauguration.
Win McNamee/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Guests stand for the National Anthem. At center is former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten. Buttigieg was <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/pete-buttigieg-transportation-secretary/index.html" target="_blank">Biden's pick for transportation secretary.</a>
Guests stand for the National Anthem. At center is former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten. Buttigieg was Biden's pick for transportation secretary.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
Lady Gaga <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_2afed536d8e5c7afaeff8ab0f2996647" target="_blank">sings the National Anthem</a> in front of Vice President Mike Pence before Harris and Biden were sworn in.
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem in front of Vice President Mike Pence before Harris and Biden were sworn in.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Harris smiles at her husband during her swearing-in.
Harris smiles at her husband during her swearing-in.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
A camera operator films the inauguration.
A camera operator films the inauguration.
David Butow/Redux
The Bidens arrive to the swearing-in ceremony.
The Bidens arrive to the swearing-in ceremony.
Patrick Semansky/AP
Bob Garrett stands for the Pledge of Allegiance while watching the inauguration in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Garrett, a sexton at the Market Square Presbyterian Church, hosted a watch party for the homeless.
Bob Garrett stands for the Pledge of Allegiance while watching the inauguration in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Garrett, a sexton at the Market Square Presbyterian Church, hosted a watch party for the homeless.
Tyger Williams/The Philadelphia Inquirer/AP
The Marine Band plays at the inauguration.
The Marine Band plays at the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton arrive for the inauguration.
Former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton arrive for the inauguration.
Patrick Semansky/Pool/AP
This year's inauguration was pared down because of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Mall was closed to the public.
This year's inauguration was pared down because of the coronavirus pandemic. The National Mall was closed to the public.
Susan Walsh/AP
US Sen. Bernie Sanders sits in the Capitol bleachers while waiting for Biden to be sworn in. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/21/us/inauguration-bernie-sanders-memes-jokes-twitter-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">The photo quickly became a meme.</a> Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination in 2016 and 2020.
US Sen. Bernie Sanders sits in the Capitol bleachers while waiting for Biden to be sworn in. The photo quickly became a meme. Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination in 2016 and 2020.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
Harris hugs her husband before being sworn in as vice president.
Harris hugs her husband before being sworn in as vice president.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
The Bidens arrive at the Capitol for the inauguration.
The Bidens arrive at the Capitol for the inauguration.
Melina Mara/The Washington Post/AP
US Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, wears a face mask that reads "Come and Take It" as he arrives at the inauguration.
US Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, wears a face mask that reads "Come and Take It" as he arrives at the inauguration.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Guests arrive for the inauguration.
Guests arrive for the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Former President George W. Bush, left, is joined at the inauguration by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Former President George W. Bush, left, is joined at the inauguration by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Tasos Katopodis/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
US Rep. Terri Sewell wears a face shield after arriving at the inauguration. Her mask references Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris' sorority.
US Rep. Terri Sewell wears a face shield after arriving at the inauguration. Her mask references Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris' sorority.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Supreme Court justices arrive for the swearing-in ceremony. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_c98047ce89b9376569ce57481aea1100" target="_blank">did not attend the inauguration</a> because of the health risks posed by the pandemic. Alito, Thomas and Breyer are also the oldest members of the court.
Supreme Court justices arrive for the swearing-in ceremony. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer did not attend the inauguration because of the health risks posed by the pandemic. Alito, Thomas and Breyer are also the oldest members of the court.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Harris greets former President Obama before the ceremony.
Harris greets former President Obama before the ceremony.
Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Getty Images
Members of the Children's Workshop, an arts and science preschool in Seattle, pause in a sculpture while walking with flags they made to celebrate the inauguration.
Members of the Children's Workshop, an arts and science preschool in Seattle, pause in a sculpture while walking with flags they made to celebrate the inauguration.
Elaine Thompson/AP
Biden greets Lady Gaga, who was wearing a golden broach in the shape of a dove.
Biden greets Lady Gaga, who was wearing a golden broach in the shape of a dove.
Susan Walsh/AP
The Bidens walk inside the Capitol.
The Bidens walk inside the Capitol.
Jim Lo Scalzo/Picture Alliance/DPA/AP
The Marine Band performs at the inauguration.
The Marine Band performs at the inauguration.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
President Donald Trump acknowledges his supporters after landing in West Palm Beach, Florida. He skipped the inauguration.
President Donald Trump acknowledges his supporters after landing in West Palm Beach, Florida. He skipped the inauguration.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol.
Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol.
Melina Mara/Pool/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Former presidents Obama and Clinton are seen at the inauguration, as well as their spouses and new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Former presidents Obama and Clinton are seen at the inauguration, as well as their spouses and new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
The Marine Band conductor is seen in front of the Capitol during the inauguration.
The Marine Band conductor is seen in front of the Capitol during the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman attends the inauguration. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_dca0aeba500491329b214e569faf7d68" target="_blank">Goodman has been hailed as a hero</a> after video emerged of him guiding the violent mob away from the Senate chamber earlier this month. He escorted Harris to the inauguration ceremony.
Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman attends the inauguration. Goodman has been hailed as a hero after video emerged of him guiding the violent mob away from the Senate chamber earlier this month. He escorted Harris to the inauguration ceremony.
Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Getty Images
Biden, Harris and their spouses wave outside the Capitol.
Biden, Harris and their spouses wave outside the Capitol.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The Bidens hold hands before walking up the Capitol steps.
The Bidens hold hands before walking up the Capitol steps.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
American flags are seen on the National Mall. The Presidential Inaugural Committee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/19/politics/field-of-flags-biden-inauguration-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">planted more than 191,500 flags on the Mall</a> to represent the people who couldn't attend the inauguration.
American flags are seen on the National Mall. The Presidential Inaugural Committee planted more than 191,500 flags on the Mall to represent the people who couldn't attend the inauguration.
Allison Shelley/Reuters
Some of Harris' family members take a selfie before the inauguration.
Some of Harris' family members take a selfie before the inauguration.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Marine One flies past the Capitol as President Trump leaves for Joint Base Andrews.
Marine One flies past the Capitol as President Trump leaves for Joint Base Andrews.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Former President Bush and first lady Laura Bush arrive at the inauguration.
Former President Bush and first lady Laura Bush arrive at the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Name tags for seating assignments are organized before the inauguration.
Name tags for seating assignments are organized before the inauguration.
Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Redux
US Marines prepare to usher guests at the Capitol.
US Marines prepare to usher guests at the Capitol.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
The Bidens attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC.
The Bidens attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC.
Evan Vucci/AP
Trump supporters wave to Trump as he returns to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump supporters wave to Trump as he returns to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews to head to Florida.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews to head to Florida.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
Marine One flies past the Washington Monument as Trump left the nation's capital.
Marine One flies past the Washington Monument as Trump left the nation's capital.
Will Lanzoni/CNN
Trump gives a farewell speech before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. "I will always fight for you,"<a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_c7d52b0352ef4bfed902fd3b12d8a24b" target="_blank"> he said in front of a crowd of family and friends.</a> "I will be watching. I will be listening, and I will tell you that the future of this country has never been better. I wish the new administration great luck and great success. I think they'll have great success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular."
Trump gives a farewell speech before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews. "I will always fight for you," he said in front of a crowd of family and friends. "I will be watching. I will be listening, and I will tell you that the future of this country has never been better. I wish the new administration great luck and great success. I think they'll have great success. They have the foundation to do something really spectacular."
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
People watch Trump's farewell at Joint Base Andrews. Holding the phone in the center is US Rep. Lauren Boebert, one of the Republicans who voted against the counting of Electoral College votes for Biden.
People watch Trump's farewell at Joint Base Andrews. Holding the phone in the center is US Rep. Lauren Boebert, one of the Republicans who voted against the counting of Electoral College votes for Biden.
Carlos Barria/Reuters
Trump acknowledges his children and other family members on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews.
Trump acknowledges his children and other family members on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews.
Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images
Trump departs the White House aboard Marine One.
Trump departs the White House aboard Marine One.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Trump waves as he boards Marine One at the White House.
Trump waves as he boards Marine One at the White House.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
White House staff members carry boxes to Marine One before Trump left the White House.
White House staff members carry boxes to Marine One before Trump left the White House.
Alex Brandon/AP
A reporter prepares for the inauguration.
A reporter prepares for the inauguration.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Biden, Harris and their spouses attend <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-inauguration-dc-security-01-19-21/h_4e72c7d0832d0f82653410c80f08c00b" target="_blank">a Covid-19 memorial</a> the night before the inauguration. It paid tribute to Americans who have died because of the pandemic.
Biden, Harris and their spouses attend a Covid-19 memorial the night before the inauguration. It paid tribute to Americans who have died because of the pandemic.
Doug Mills/The New York Times/Redux
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, second from right, and members of the House Democratic leadership hold a Covid-19 memorial on the steps of the US Capitol on the night before the inauguration. At right is Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. On the left are US Reps. Pete Aguilar and Katherine Clark.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, second from right, and members of the House Democratic leadership hold a Covid-19 memorial on the steps of the US Capitol on the night before the inauguration. At right is Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. On the left are US Reps. Pete Aguilar and Katherine Clark.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
There were 400 lights illuminating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in tribute to the more than 400,000 people who had died from Covid-19 in the United States.
There were 400 lights illuminating the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in tribute to the more than 400,000 people who had died from Covid-19 in the United States.
Alex Brandon/AP
Biden tears up in New Castle, Delaware, as he speaks about his late son Beau before heading to Washington, DC, on the day before the inauguration. Biden said he was proud to be delivering <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-inauguration-dc-security-01-19-21/h_a7f0252ff11d798238c580e29f0cb89e" target="_blank">his send-off remarks</a> from the National Guard Center in New Castle, which is named after Beau Biden. "I only have one regret: that he's not here, because we should be introducing him as president," Biden said.
Biden tears up in New Castle, Delaware, as he speaks about his late son Beau before heading to Washington, DC, on the day before the inauguration. Biden said he was proud to be delivering his send-off remarks from the National Guard Center in New Castle, which is named after Beau Biden. "I only have one regret: that he's not here, because we should be introducing him as president," Biden said.
Evan Vucci/AP
The sun sets over the White House on the final night of Trump's presidency.
The sun sets over the White House on the final night of Trump's presidency.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
The National Mall is filled with flags on the day before the inauguration.
The National Mall is filled with flags on the day before the inauguration.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
National Guard members walk on the US Capitol grounds on the day before the inauguration. The Pentagon <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15/politics/pentagon-national-guard-inauguration/index.html" target="_blank">authorized up to 25,000 National Guard members</a> to help secure the event.
National Guard members walk on the US Capitol grounds on the day before the inauguration. The Pentagon authorized up to 25,000 National Guard members to help secure the event.
David Butow/Redux
Media members practice camera positions at the entrance to the inauguration stage.
Media members practice camera positions at the entrance to the inauguration stage.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Members of the National Guard rest outside of the US Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
Members of the National Guard rest outside of the US Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
A broken window is seen at the Capitol, which was still showing damage from when pro-Trump rioters breached the building on January 6.
A broken window is seen at the Capitol, which was still showing damage from when pro-Trump rioters breached the building on January 6.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
A television reporter works at the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
A television reporter works at the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
A man walks past a home in Washington, DC, that was decorated in support of Biden and Harris.
A man walks past a home in Washington, DC, that was decorated in support of Biden and Harris.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Chairs are spread out at the Capitol so that VIPs would be able to socially distance during the inauguration.
Chairs are spread out at the Capitol so that VIPs would be able to socially distance during the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
People take photos of a police dog posing with an officer outside the Capitol.
People take photos of a police dog posing with an officer outside the Capitol.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
Preparations are made at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration.
Preparations are made at the Capitol ahead of the inauguration.
David Butow/Redux
Singer Jennifer Lopez poses for photos outside the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
Singer Jennifer Lopez poses for photos outside the Capitol on the day before the inauguration.
Gabriella Demczuk for CNN
Lights are displayed above the National Mall two days before the inauguration, paying tribute to all the Americans who have died from Covid-19.
Lights are displayed above the National Mall two days before the inauguration, paying tribute to all the Americans who have died from Covid-19.
Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Newscom
Members of the National Guard are positioned within a security perimeter that includes the Capitol, the White House and the National Mall.
Members of the National Guard are positioned within a security perimeter that includes the Capitol, the White House and the National Mall.
Timothy Fadek/Redux
US Marines are posted on the East Front steps of the Capitol.
US Marines are posted on the East Front steps of the Capitol.
Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images
National Guard members sleep inside the Capitol Visitor Center.
National Guard members sleep inside the Capitol Visitor Center.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The Peace Monument is seen behind a fence on the grounds of the US Capitol.
The Peace Monument is seen behind a fence on the grounds of the US Capitol.
Eric Thayer/Getty Images
ATMs are boarded up in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration.
ATMs are boarded up in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration.
Eric Lee/Bloomberg/Getty Images
American flags are illuminated on the National Mall.
American flags are illuminated on the National Mall.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
In pictures: The inauguration of Joe Biden

Here is a look at the life of US President Joe Biden.

Personal

Birth date: November 20, 1942

Birth place: Scranton, Pennsylvania

Birth name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

Father: Joseph Robinette Biden Sr., car salesman

Mother: Catherine Eugenia (Finnegan) Biden

Marriages: Jill (Jacobs) Biden (June 17, 1977-present); Neilia (Hunter) Biden (August 27, 1966-December 18, 1972, her death)

Children: with Jill Biden: Ashley; with Neilia Biden: Naomi Christina, Robert Hunter, Joseph Robinette “Beau” III

Education: University of Delaware, B.A., 1965; Syracuse University Law School, J.D., 1968

Religion: Roman Catholic

Other Facts

Had a stuttering problem as a child.

Biden’s son, Beau Biden, was the attorney general of Delaware.

Delaware’s longest serving senator.

Timeline

1968-1970 - Defense attorney for criminal cases in Wilmington, Delaware.

1970-1972 - Serves on the New Castle County Council in Delaware.

1972 - Is first elected to the Senate at age 29, defeating Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. Wins reelection in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996 and 2002.

December 18, 1972 - While Christmas shopping, Biden’s first wife, Neilia Hunter Biden, and daughter, Naomi Biden, are killed in a car accident. His sons are badly injured, but survive.

January 5, 1973 - Is sworn in as US senator of Delaware at son Beau Biden’s bedside in the hospital.

1987-1995 - Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

June 9, 1987 - Enters the 1988 presidential race, but drops out three months later following reports of plagiarism and false claims about his academic record.

February 1988 - Undergoes surgery to repair an aneurysm in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

January 20, 1990 - Introduces a bill that becomes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The act addresses sexual assault and domestic violence. It is signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994.

2001-2003 - Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

2002 - Votes to authorize military intervention in Iraq, but later becomes a vocal critic of the conflict.

2007-2009 - Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

January 31, 2007 - Files a statement of candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission to run for president.

August 1, 2007 - His memoir, “Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics,” is published.