The Dangers of 2021’s Presidential Inauguration

On April 30, 1789, first President of the United States George Washington was inaugurated for his first term in office. Since that time, there have been 58 public presidential inaugurations, one every four years since the initial date. However, the oath has been taken 72 different times on account of natural death, assassination, and resignation.

As far as inaugurations go, they haven’t always been smooth sailing. From the National Hotel Disease of James Buchanan’s inauguration to the inaugural address that killed William Henry Harrison, there’s an interesting history surrounding the American tradition. But as far as the 2020 election goes and the events following, it is safe to say that things have perhaps never been so outrageous.

After the self-coup at Capitol Hill on January 6th, it has become quite clear that President-elect Joe Biden will not have a peaceful inauguration. Thanks to President Trump’s lack of cooperation on leaving office and his encouragement of violence in his followers, Biden’s own safety appears to be at risk. Currently, the Secret Service are gearing up for the event, backed by up to 15,000 members of the National Guard.

Although Biden stated that he is “not afraid of taking the oath outside,” every precaution is being taken in preparation for the big day, and not just in regards to the President-elect. All 50 state capitals are being fortified in preparation for armed protests, gearing up for potential violence.

But this inauguration will be different from any other for reasons other than Donald Trump and his supporters. The global pandemic, still raging on, has caused for attendees at the event to be limited, and masks mandatory. Despite that, three out of the five living Presidents and their wives will be attending the event. President Trump is not among them, making him the first president in over 150 years to not attend his successor’s inauguration.

In spite of all the drama surrounding the swearing in of America’s next president, there is still much to be excited about. With Kamala Harris as Biden’s VP, she will be the first woman, and first woman of color, to serve in said position, making the day truly historic.

At the end of the day, President Trump’s efforts will result in nothing other than marking him as a sore loser. On January 20th, Joe Biden will become the 46th president of the United States of America, and the country will be in his hands, for better or for worse.