Inauguration Day 2021 LIVE – Nuclear codes CHAOS as Trump leaves DC early ahead of Biden's presidential swearing-in
DONALD Trump has sparked nuclear football chaos by deciding to leave Washington DC early ahead of Joe Biden's Inauguration.
The "football" is a device that must stay with the President at all times in case of a nuclear alert – meaning it will be flown to Florida with Trump when he leaves the capital several hours before Biden is sworn in.
Biden, therefore, will have to be handed a backup version of the football initially until Trump's version is formally deactivated and flown back to DC.
Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States today at his Inauguration in Washington DC.
Celebs including Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga will perform at the Inauguration, where security will be higher than ever following the storming of the Capitol on January 6.
Follow our Inauguration Day live blog below for the very latest news on Joe Biden's swearing-in
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
WHAT CHANGES WILL BIDEN MAKE ON CLIMATE CHANGE?
President-elect Biden is set to issue several executive orders reversing decisions made by Donald Trump.
On climate change, Sky News reports just some of the measures Mr Biden will take are:
- Address federal regulations and other executive orders that were harmful to public health and the environment
- Consider revising vehicle fuel economy and emissions standards
- Revoke the presidential permit granted to the Keystone XL pipeline
WHAT CHANGES WILL BIDEN IMPLEMENT TO AMERICA'S COVID-19 RESPONSE?
President-elect Biden plans to shake up outgoing President Donald Trump's coronavirus response.
According to Sky News, this will include teh launch a "100 day masking challenge" which will make face masks and social distancing in all federal buildings, federal lands and by federal employees and contractors mandatory.
The incoming POTUS also plans to rejoin the World Health Organization and create a Covid-19 response co-ordinator position.
He will also restore the National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense.
BIDEN WILL BACKTRACK ON TRUMP'S CLIMATE, COVID & RACIAL EQUALITY DECISIONS
President-elect Joe Biden will not waste time scrapping a series of Donald Trump's decisions.
He is reported to be planning on issuing a flurry of executive orders to nullify steps taken by the outgoing POTUS on Covid-19, climate change and racial equality.
More to follow…
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
BIDEN'S STUDENT LOANS PLAN
Biden is set to use executive authority to extend the current moratorium on student loan payments, interest, and collections.
This will be one of his first acts in office after he and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are inaugurated.
The transition team also announced that it would expedite a request to Congress for $10,000 in loan cancellation for all federal borrowers.
This could wipe out debt completely for nearly 15 million borrowers who owe $10,000 or less, according to federal data.
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
INDIAN SUPPORTERS POSE WITH BIDEN AND HARRIS PICS
A man in Chennai, India is seen posing with a creative Biden/Harris poster.
Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
Supporters in Chennai, also in Tamil Nadu, were seen today celebrating Ms Harris's swearing-in.
She is the first woman, the first woman of color, and the first person of south Asian and African American descent to take office in the position of Vice President.
Credit: AP:Associated Press - Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
INSIDE SCOOP ON IVANKA V MELANIA
As Donald Trump prepares to leave office politicos have begun to question what will become of his wife and daughter's spat.
The Mirror reports the pair have a long-running dislike for eachother that can be traced back to the early days of the Trump administration.
First Lady Melania reportedly feared Ivanka was trying to scalp her turf – but for Ivanka, Melania got in the way of her ambition.
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
IMMIGRATION BILL TOP OF BIDEN'S TO-DO LIST
A new immigration bill will be one of the first things President-elect Biden brings in as part of his new presidency.
He is expected to introduce the massive new immigration bill to Congress on his first day in office.
The bill is set to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the US without legal status.
It provides "one of the fastest pathways to citizenship for those living without legal status of any measure in recent years," but it fails to include the "traditional trade-off of enhanced border security favored by many Republicans."
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
TRUMP 'FURIOUS OVER A-LIST INAUGURTAION LINE UP'
Outgoing President Donald Trump is said to be "furious" over Biden and Harris's A-List inauguration attendees.
Mr Trump has got the hump that the likes of Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Tom Hanks agreed to be part of Mr Biden’s celebrations today.
Four years ago, Mr Trump could only persuade US country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood, plus rock groups 3 Doors Down and The Piano Guys, to be part of his inauguration.
He was publicly rejected by Elton John and Moby, as well as British singers Rebecca Ferguson and Charlotte Church.
A source said: “It’s a humbling end for Trump in many ways. It really is not the way he would have liked to leave office. Despite losing the election and being impeached for a record second time, he’s still talking about four more years!”
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
JENNIFER LOPEZ SPOTTED AT INAUGURATION REHEARSALS
Singer J Lo was spotted rehearsing at the Capitol in Washington DC.
She will perform at the inauguration today, alongside Lady GaGa.
Justin Timberlake and Demi Lovato are also set to perform on tonight's Celebrating America Primetime Special, hosted by actor Tom Hanks.
Credit: Rex Features
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
INAUGURATION: KEY TIMINGS
President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will officially take over the White House today.
Here’s what is happening, and when (EST).
- 10 am – An inaugural celebration for young Americans, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) will host a first-ever curated livestream for young Americans
- 11.30 am – Swearing-in ceremony, President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be sworn in on the West Front of the US Capitol building.
AFTERNOON
- Time TBD – Pass in review, the President-elect, First Lady, Vice President-elect, and Second Gentleman will participate in a Pass in Review on the East front with members of the military, according to the PIC
- Time TBD – Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery, the four of them will then visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Time TBD – Presidential escort, the new leader will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House, "with every branch of the military represented in the escort," according to the PIC
- Time TBD – Virtual parade across America, Biden will receive a Presidential Escort to the White House
- 8.30 pm – Celebrating America Primetime Special, the 90-minute prime-time program is hosted by Tom Hanks and will feature remarks from Biden and Harris
TODAY IS THE DAY
Today is the day Joe Biden will officially become president.
As of 11.30 am (EST) today, President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will begin the swearing in ceremony.
Donald Trump will not be in attendance.
Follow this live blog for all the latest news and updates on the upcoming inauguration today.
TRUMP'S PALS
Rudy Giuliani, who has been at the forefront of unsuccessful efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, has not been charged with a crime, but investigators have been probing his activities in Ukraine.
Trump previously pardoned former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about his conversation with the former Russian ambassador.
Trump commuted the prison term for Roger Stone, who was convicted of lying to Congress during its investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
OTHER PARDONS
Trump also pardoned Elliott Broidy, a former top fundraiser for Trump who pleaded guilty last year to violating foreign lobbying laws, a senior administration official said.
He also pardoned former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was serving a 28-year prison term on corruption charges.
Rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black who were prosecuted on federal weapons offenses, were also granted pardons.
Broidy, who was a top fundraiser for Trump during the 2016 campaign, pleaded guilty in October to violating lobbying laws by attempting to influence the administration on behalf of Chinese and Malaysian interests.
Lil Wayne, 38, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court in December to illegally possessing a firearm and faced up to 10 years in prison.
He has expressed support for Trump's criminal justice reform efforts.
Kodak Black, 23, who was born Bill Kahan Kapri, is in federal prison for making a false statement in order to buy a firearm.
BANNON PARDONED
Donald Trump granted clemency to former White House aide Steve Bannon as part of a wave of pardons before he leaves office, a senior administration official said.
Bannon, who was a key adviser in Trump's 2016 presidential run, was charged last year with swindling Trump supporters over an effort to raise private funds to build the president's wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
He has pleaded not guilty.
White House officials had advised Trump against pardoning Bannon. The two men have lately rekindled their relationship as Trump sought support for his unproven claims of voter fraud, an official familiar with the situation said.
12 NATIONAL GUARDS REMOVED FOR RIGHT-WING MILITIA TIES
Twelve US Army National Guard members have been removed from the presidential inauguration security mission.
The action was taken after they were found to have ties with right-wing militia groups or posted extremist views online, say officials.
US defense officials have been worried about a potential insider attack or other threat from service members.
- Debbie White
TRUMP HITS OUT AT TWITTER OVER FREE SPEECH
US President Donald Trump, in a farewell address released on Tuesday, has again hit out at Twitter, after being kicked off the platform.
He said in a video speech: "Shutting down free and open debate violates our core values and most enduring traditions.
"America is not a timid nation of tame souls who need to be sheltered and protected from those with whom we disagree."
Twitter is awash with memes about his leaving the White House…
- Debbie White
TOM HANKS ALSO AT STAR-STUDDED INAUGURATION
Top-tier performers will be part of “Celebrating America,” a 90-minute, multi-network evening broadcast hosted by Tom Hanks.
Musicians like Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi will also be at the star-studded inauguration of Joe Biden.
Hosts Kerry Washington and Eva Longoria will be joined by basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, chef Jose Andres, labor leader Dolores Huerta and Kim Ng, the first female general manager in MLB history.
- Debbie White
LADY GAGA 'PRAYS FOR DAY OF LOVE & PEACE'
A steady stream of A-list names have signed on for Joe Biden's inauguration.
It's being headlined by Lady Gaga singing the national anthem on the West Front of the Capitol, with fellow super-stars Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks contributing musical performances.
Lady Gaga tweeted today: "I pray tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans. A day for love, not hatred.
"A day for acceptance not fear. A day for dreaming of our future joy as a country.
"A dream that is non-violent, a dream that provides safety for our souls. Love, from the Capitol."
- Debbie White
JON BON JOVI 'HONORED' TO JOIN CELEBRATIONS
Rocker Jon Bon Jovi has tweeted that he is "very honored to be part of the Presidential Inauguration tomorrow alongside so many incredible people.
"Tune in at 8.30pm as we ring in the new administration of Joe Biden
and Kamala Harris." - Debbie White
EXCITEMENT BUILDING FOR WEDNESDAY'S INAUGURATION
Joe Biden’s presidential inaugural parade will feature 1,391 virtual participants, 95 horses and nine DOGS.
Planners says actor Tony Goldwyn will host Wednesday’s virtual “Parade Across America” that kicks off after Biden is sworn-in as president.
Goldwyn played a president on the television drama Scandal.
Live portions of the parade will be announced by Charlie Brotman, who has announced nearly every inaugural parade since President Dwight Eisenhower.
Well-known performers and athletes will participate, along with military bands and performers and speakers in communities across the US.
- Debbie White
'TIME TO HEAL IN THE US': JOE BIDEN & KAMALA HARRIS
At a memorial for the many lost to Covid, President-elect Joe Biden has called on Americans to remember the 400,000 killed by coronavirus.
Biden said he hoped the US could start to 'heal'.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said: “Tonight we grieve, and begin healing, together.”
The remembrance ceremony was held at the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool, which was lit up with 400 lights in honor of the 400,000 Americans who have died from the virus.
After Biden’s brief remarks, gospel singer Yolanda Adams sang “Hallelujah.”
- Debbie White
HOME ALONE 2'S DONALD TRUMP TO LOSE ACTORS GUILD CARD
After leaving the White House, President Donald Trump may lose his Screen Actors Guild (SAG) card.
Trump has been a SAG member since 1989. His credits include The Apprentice, Saturday Night Live and many cameos in films and TV series including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sex in the City.
The group said on Tuesday that a board had voted “overwhelmingly” that there was probable cause that Trump had violated its guidelines for membership.
The charges, it added, were for Trump’s role in the Capitol riot on January 6, “and in sustaining a reckless campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting and ultimately threatening the safety of journalists, many of whom are SAG-AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) members.”
If found guilty by a disciplinary committee, Trump faces expulsion.
- Debbie White
JOE BIDEN ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON AHEAD OF INAUGURATION
President-elect Joe Biden has arrived in Washington, D.C., from Delaware.
He has since appeared at a memorial for Covid victims at the Lincoln Memorial alongside his wife, Jill, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff.
Biden will spend the night at Blair House, the president’s official guesthouse, and will be inaugurated as the nation’s 46th president on Wednesday, January 20.
- Debbie White
'OUR MOVEMENT IS ONLY BEGINNING': DONALD TRUMP
Outgoing president Donald Trump has plugged his political movement in an expansive farewell speech before he departs for Florida.
"As I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning," he said.
- Debbie White
DONALD TRUMP TO 'PRAY' FOR BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
In his farewell address, President Donald Trump says he will pray for the success of Joe Biden's administration.
The White House has released excerpts of the video address ahead of its planned release, a day ahead of Biden's inauguration.
Trump will say: “This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous.”
Trump will also address the storming of the Capitol building by saying that “all Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol”, and that “political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans” and “can never be tolerated.”
Trump will also point out what he sees as his top achievements in office, including efforts to normalize relations in the Middle East.
He’ll say: “We did what we came here to do — and so much more.”
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