‘Welcome Back America’: Newspapers around the world react to Biden’s inauguration
The culmination of Joe Biden’s journey to the Oval Office was seen far beyond Washington DC on Thursday, with images of his inauguration splashed across the front pages of newspapers around the world.
Papers in most countries marked the dawn of the Biden era with pictures of the new US President taking the oath of office, and many highlighted the slew of executive orders he signed on his first day.
Some front pages also reflected on the end of the tumultuous Trump era, and a handful took a parting swipe at the former President — a decision indicative of the relief much of the international community felt as his time in office drew to a close.
But for the most part, it was Biden who commanded the spotlight. Here’s a selection of front pages from various parts of the world.
Canada
Canada’s National Post was one of many papers to pick out Biden’s proclamation, made in his inaugural address, that “democracy has prevailed.”
It noted Biden’s message of healing, writing that “an extraordinary, sometimes violent, transition of American power came to a peaceful end Wednesday.”
United Kingdom
The UK’s Guardian newspaper highlighted the same line, splashing a picture of Biden delivering his speech across its front page, while The Daily Telegraph, focused on another line — Biden’s call to end “this uncivil war” that has divided the US.
Britain’s tabloid papers approached the inauguration with typical zeal, ignoring the high-minded rhetoric of Biden’s speech in favor of a swipe at his predecessor. “Don’s Gone… Let’s Go Joe!” the Daily Mail wrote. The Metro encouraged Biden to “Now Make America Great Again,” re-purposing Trump’s long-running slogan. The Daily Mirror called Wednesday “A day of hope” and the Daily Express said it was a “Big Moment for the US and Britain.”
Scottish newspaper The National went so far as to bid “good riddance” to Trump — adding the words “you’re fired” in reference to the former president’s past role on TV series “The Apprentice.”
But the most irreverent front page came from the Daily Star, which superimposed Trump’s face onto a picture of the Incredible Hulk.
Ireland
Biden has spoken frequently of his Irish heritage, and his win was marked by front page headlines across the country. The Irish Examiner called it “A New Day,” while The Irish Times said he “reset the tone” with his address.
Italy
“Welcome Back America” was the message on the front of La Stampa, one of Italy’s most-read newspapers. Trump was widely unpopular across western Europe, and many EU leaders expressed relief at the beginning of Biden’s term.
Spain
Spain’s El Mundo welcomed Biden with the frank assessment that “There is much to heal in the US.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said after Biden was sworn in: “Today is a great day … We’ll work with the US for democracy and the reinforcement of a more just, sustainable & inclusive global governance.”
Australia
Most of Australia’s Thursday papers went to print before Biden was sworn in, so many focused on Trump’s departure — with a fairly clear stance on the outgoing leader. “Don Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out” was the West Australian’s blunt sendoff, while the tabloid NT News opted for a pun in its equally dismissive farewell.
Nigeria
The Guardian picked up on Biden’s promise to lead all Americans, not just those who voted for him. Nigeria’s Burna Boy was included on Biden’s official inauguration playlist on Wednesday.
Hong Kong
The South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based daily for English readers, featured a picture of Biden with his wife, Jill Biden, and the Second Family waving during the ceremony.
United Arab Emirates
Meanwhile, Gulf Today referred to Trump as a “trumped-up leader” in its front page coverage of the inauguration of Biden, which featured an image of the 46th president taking the oath.
