Joe Biden sworn in as he replaces Donald Trump as US president

Joe Biden said “this is America’s day” and “democracy’s day” as he delivered his first speech as president of the United States.

Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Picture: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Joe Biden has been sworn in as the 46th president of of the United States.

After thanking those present at the inauguration, Mr Biden said: “This is America’s day, this is democracy’s day.” 

The president referenced the violent attack on the Capitol two weeks ago, saying it underscored the value of American democracy.

He said: “We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.” 

Kamala Harris is sworn as U.S. Vice President by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff looks on. Picture: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Minutes earlier, Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president of the United States.

Ms Harris was sworn in by Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the US Supreme Court.

Mr Biden and Ms Harris took their oaths of office shortly before midday at the Capitol Building in Washington DC (5pm Irish time).

The oath is a 35-word statement: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The majority of presidents add the words "so help me God" to the end.

Chief Justice John Roberts swore in the new president while Justice Sonya Sotomayor swore in the vice president.

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as preparations are made prior to the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Picture: Caroline Brehman/Pool Photo via AP

Outgoing US vice president Mike Pence and his wife Karen have received bipartisan applause as they arrived on the platform ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden as president.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton were also at the event.

Former President Jimmy Carter, 96, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, 93, did not attend but have sent their best wishes.

Marine One with President Donald Trump aboard flies past the U.S. Capitol before the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington. Trump is en route to his Mar-a-Lago Florida Resort. Picture: AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool

Outgoing president Donald Trump and his wife Melania did not be attending today's ceremony.

Mr Trump is the first president since Andrew Johnson in 1869 to not attend his successor's inauguration.

The tradition began with George Washington and is a way to signify the peaceful transition of power.

Instead, Donald Trump left Washington this morning in a grand airbase ceremony that he helped plan himself.

He travelled to Florida instead of attending the inauguration.