Breakdown of what happened during the inauguration of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris By: Scripps National and last updated 2021-01-20 17:04:14-05 Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, bringing to an end an election season unlike any in the country's history. Biden's path to the presidency included an improbable comeback following two defeats in the Democratic primary, a bitter campaign disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and months-long protests against police brutality, several days of delayed election results and a transition marred by violence from his successor's supporters. Despite the challenges, Biden took the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol shortly before noon ET. Wednesday's inauguration ceremony took place in front of an empty National Mall due to the COVID-19 pandemic and threats of violence.