Today marked a new dawn in American politics with Donald Trump's incredible return to power in the United States and his promise of a new "golden age" for the country.
Both sides of the political aisle attempted a united front as the 45th president became the 47th.
New friends of Mr Trump, including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, flanked the first family while old foes like the Bidens and Clintons watched on.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who kicked off events at Capitol Hill as chair of the committee who plans the inauguration, summed up the political climate the best.
"A hot mess of division", she told the crowd gathered in the historic Capitol Rotunda as statues of presidents long gone looked down on proceedings.
After all, this was the place where four years ago a crowd of Mr Trump's supporters overran the historic building in an attempt to stop the certification of his rival's presidency.
Nevertheless, Joe Biden gave a warm welcome to Mr Trump and his wife Melania at the White House earlier in the day, considering so much has been said about the other during the campaign and subsequent transition.
A move possibly down to Mr Biden's respect for the democratic process rather than for the next in line.
As the clock ran out on Mr Biden's presidency, he pardoned those close to him to protect them from potential prosecution.
At noon local time, Mr Trump secured the greatest political comeback in American history becoming the second president since Grover Cleveland to be sworn in for another non-consecutive term.
And with it, the united front broke down.
While his speech was lighter in tone compared to the dark 'American carnage' picture he painted in 2017, Mr Trump's inaugural address outlined his plans to restore American 'confidence' and 'integrity'.
He blasted the former administration for betraying Americans as his extraordinary inaugural address broke with tradition, outlining policies that are usually kept for a State of Union.
He made many promises and hit on topics that were important to Americans during this election.
He declared a national emergency at the southern border and promised to build cars, overhaul the trade system and target cartels.
Mr Musk, sitting beside Barron Trump, looked exuberant as the new president pledged to put Americans on Mars.
Mr Biden and other members of the Democratic Party stayed seated as most attendees took to their feet with rapturous applause as Mr Trump proclaimed he was saved by God during his assassination attempt, so he could "make America Great Again".
This was a speech for God and country and strove to reclaim American prosperity and pump pride into a nation divided.
The curtain has officially lifted on Mr Trump's second presidency and for number 47, the United States is starting a new era of national success with its decline coming to an end.
Read more:
Trump's picks for his cabinet and other top posts
What we know about Trump's planned executive orders after swearing-in
Trump to send troops to border in migrant crackdown
