Biden took the oath of office as the 46th President of the United States: what you need to know about him

Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States of America: on January 20, 2021, he was solemnly sworn in.

Photo: Shutterstock

Traditionally, the text of the oath is as follows:

“I <name> do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will, to the fullest extent of my ability, support, preserve and defend the Constitution of the United States. May God help me!

The vast majority of presidents used the word "swear"; the only president to use the word "affirm" was 14th President Franklin Pierce.

While the swearing-in is necessary for the president to exercise his powers, the presidential term begins at 12:00 on January 20, regardless of whether the president had time to take the oath.

A few minutes before the president, US Vice President Kamala Harris also took the oath of office. There is no specific text for the vice-presidential oath. Since 1884, the same form of oath of allegiance to the Constitution has been used as for congressmen and members of the government.

How was the inauguration ceremony, read here.

On the subject: Joe Biden's inauguration: live text broadcast. Constantly updated

Key facts about Joe Biden

The average age of presidents who have taken office since 1960 is about 56 years. Trump was 70 when he became president in 2017. And to 46th President Joe Biden on November 20, 2020 turned 78, that makes him the oldest president in US history.

In 2008, Barack Obama considered Joe Biden to be “filterless” and “Willing to share with joy whatever comes into his head”, but he chose the then senator as his vice president because he was "decent, honest and loyal." This is the 44th President of the United States wrote in his memoirsreleased on sale November 17, 2020.

Joe Biden set himself the goal of becoming president at 21, and first tried to fulfill that dream at 46, running for the Democratic primary. Then he failed and withdrew from the race amid accusations of plagiarism: Biden used excerpts from a speech given in 1987 by the leader of the British Labor Party, Neil Kinnock. Before and after his failed run for office, Biden served as Senator from Delaware. He was first elected to the Senate from the state in 1973 and held that post until 2009.

In 2008, the politician nominated himself in the primary elections for the second time, but withdrew immediately after the first primaries, realizing that he could not impose competition on the main pair of candidates - Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In August 2008, Obama invited Biden to become his partner and run for vice president... From 2009 to 2017, he held this post. Biden wondered if he should run in the 2016 elections, but decided not to, including on Obama's advice.

Biden is a Doctor of Laws. In the mid-60s, Biden received a BA in history and political science from the University of Delaware. A few years later, he additionally graduated from the Syracuse University School of Law in the state of New York and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1968.

Like his predecessor Donald Trump, Biden does not drink alcohol at all, explaining this by problems with alcohol addiction in his family.

In childhood suffered from stuttering, but was able to overcome speech impairment... The presidential candidate talked about combating stuttering during the primary debate, agreeing to give his number to a struggling student. He is now known for his frequent reservations.

Biden lost his wife and two children. In 1966, Biden married Nelia Hunter, whom he met in his first year of college. The couple had three children: sons Bo and Hunter and daughter Naomi. In 1972, weeks after 29-year-old Biden won the Senate for Delaware, Nelia and 13-month-old Naomi died in a car accident. In 2015, at the age of 47, Bo's eldest son died of brain cancer. In 1975, Biden met his current wife, English teacher Jill Tracy Jacobs, whom he married two years later. In 1981, the couple had a daughter, Ashley.

Winner of the highest US award. At his 2017 farewell press conference at the White House, Barack Obama surprised Biden by rewarding him Presidential Medal of Freedom with Honors - One of the two highest US civilian awards. Obama commended Biden for "faith in fellow citizens and love for the country."

In 1974, when Biden was still a rookie Senator, Time magazine included him in its list of 200 personalities who will determine the future (200 Faces for the Future). The editors called Biden "confident" and "extremely ambitious."

On the subject: Accelerating the issuance of green cards and the legalization of 'dreamers': what is Biden preparing to do

Biden's plans for the presidency

A few days before the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, representatives of the Biden team said that they considered the policy of the previous administration "destructive for the country," and the new head of the White House himself intends to devote the first days of his presidency canceling decisions taken by his predecessor. Here five Trump decisionswhich Biden is going to cancel in the very near future.

Joe Biden's new administration promises to focus on reducing the waiting time for obtaining citizenship, providing automatic green cards to protected illegal immigrants and adding immigration judges to reduce delays in court hearings.

Biden plans to get on track 'on day one' fulfilling a big campaign promiseimportant for immigrants after the restrictive policies of President Donald Trump. He intends to provide one of the fastest paths to citizenship for all those who live in the US without any legal status.

And the new $ 1,9 trillion rescue plan presented by Joe Biden includes additional $ 1400 in direct payments Americans and money for dependents. Previously, parents or guardians could only claim the payment for dependents under 17, but that may now change. Who can get the money? read in our material.

In a tweet posted on December 24, Biden He pledged do tuition in local colleges is freewhile offering a similar benefit to students from low-income families - they will be able to study in state colleges.

Also Biden promised to take care that state and local governments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic receive “immediate help”, Although he did not specify how he would do it.

Early December Biden outlined its economic platform in an interview with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. He promised to provide long-term economic growth and ensured that "everyone will pay their fair share."

In the middle of the election campaign, Biden made it clear that he will abolish many trade duties President Trump and in general will lead more favorable policy for free trade... Since tariffs are essentially taxes on consumers and kill more jobs than they "protect," Biden's approach could be good for the economy, experts say.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Trump said goodbye to Americans and left the White House: how it was

Consequences of the assault: Capitol guards were dismissed, the building will be protected with a 3-meter fence

Trump's presidential accounts have 59 million subscribers, but Biden will not give them away

Trump extended the ban on issuing green cards: details

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.