The scene captured the start of an extraordinary Inauguration Day that marked a historic

A motorist travels past an Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. office building in Shanghai, China, on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020. China kicked off an investigation into alleged monopolistic practices at Alibaba and summoned affiliate Ant Group Co. to a high-level meeting over financial regulations, escalating scrutiny over the twin pillars of billionaire Jack Mas internet empire. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The scene captured the start of an extraordinary Inauguration Day that marked a historic

Wasinton DC, postbantennews.com

The scene captured the start of an extraordinary Inauguration Day that marked a historic break from some of the traditions that have long accompanied the nation’s White House handoff. from is Wasinton post

Trump’s bitter refusal to concede the election or participate in inaugural events meant there would be no customary tea service between the couples ahead of Biden’s swearing-in. No outgoing president would observe the transfer of power during the inauguration at the Capitol; that duty was left to Vice President Pence.

And, finally, there was no gracious welcome for the new occupants of the White House, no handshakes and photographs taken on the portico of the two couples. Other traditions, such as the presidential parade along Pennsylvania Avenue, were muted by the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns, with crowds kept far away. The presence of tens of thousands of police and.

National Guard troops, after the riot at the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob two weeks ago, created a feeling of oppressiveness during the otherwise celebratory occasionYet change at the White House sped forward nonetheless, marked by milestones large and small as a team of government workers raced to complete the rapid and highly choreographed transition from one first family and staff to another.

Movers unloaded furniture and installed computers. Cleaning crews scrubbed the White House residence, West Wing and East Wing, giving them an extra deep cleanse (at a reported costs of $500,000) after the departure of a Trump team that did not follow basic coronavirus safeguards. Workers hung framed photos on the West Wing walls, including a shot of Biden speaking at the New Castle, Del.,

Airport on Tuesday — from a lectern bearing his late son Beau’s name. The anticipation among the new administration was palpable. Audio of Biden’s inaugural festivities was piped through the White House press room’s speaker system. One Biden aide, a veteran of the Obama White House, showed reporters where Biden’s former West Wing desk used to sit. (densi/henri/pn)

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