Promising to be a president “for all Americans”, Biden used his Inaugural Address to acknowledge the deep divisions in US society and the devastating loss experienced by Americans amid the pandemic.
“Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now,” he said.
“To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity.”
Biden urged Americans to “end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal”.
“We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts,” he said.
Biden took the oath of office shortly after Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president, the first woman and first woman of colour to serve in the role.
Her ascension makes her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States.
Take a look at some of the memorable images from the day:
