Inauguration Day as it unfolds, in pictures

The Independent follows the final day of the tumultuous Trump era and the dawn of the Biden presidency

The ‘Field of Flags’ and the Washington Monument are seen on the National Mall in front of the Capitol building (AFP via Getty)

Inauguration Day 2021 began like no other. A ring of steel and tens of thousands of National Guard troops surround Washington DC for the swearing-in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, following the insurrection at the US Capitol earlier this month by a pro-Trump mob. 

The outgoing president broke with 150 years of tradition and refused to welcome his successor and be present for the peaceful transfer of power at noon. Instead, Mr Trump jetted off on Air Force One for his new life in Florida early Wednesday. Here, The Independent follows the day as it unfolds.