Joe Biden becomes 46th President of the United States, Kentucky leaders react

At an inauguration unlike any other in the country’s history, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46^th President of the United States and Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female Vice President on Wednesday.

The new president assumed office before a National Mall that had been cleared of observers — both for security reasons in the aftermath of this month’s Capitol siege, as well as to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Following the inauguration, many Kentucky leaders released statements welcoming the new president and vice president.

Gov. Andy Beshear stated the following:

“Congratulations President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I look forward to working with your administration to better the lives for our people and to help us overcome the challenges of COVID-19. Together we can make a better country—a better Kentucky—for all.”

Congressman John Yarmuth stated:

“Today we celebrate a new President, a new Vice President, and a new beginning for our nation. With President Biden and Vice President Harris leading the way, we will change the course of the crises we face, earn back the respect of the world, and begin our recovery in earnest. I am honored to share this historic day with my colleagues and the American people, and I will ensure that the House Budget Committee does everything it can to support the vital work of the Biden-Harris Administration.”

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said:

“As a social studies teacher, Inauguration Day is like our Super Bowl and it fills me with excitement and hope. As a woman, today is even more special as we celebrate another glass ceiling being shattered. Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. We are all pulling for you!”

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams had the following statement:

“Congratulations, President Biden and Vice President Harris. Americans who voted for you, and Americans who voted against you, are grateful for today’s unifying words and a call to lower the temperature in our politics.”