US President-elect Joe Biden also urged the US Congress to pass a virus relief bill immediately and follow up with"hundreds of billions of dollars" in more aid in January.
The Democratic former vice president said he does expect to be sworn in on January 20 on the platform already being constructed on the steps of the US Capitol, but wanted to avoid the crowds that typically gather on the National Mall and along Pennsylvania Avenue to view the ceremony and parade. "People want to celebrate," said Biden. "People want to be able to say we've passed the baton. We're moving on. Democracy has functioned."
Trump, who has refused to concede the election, has not said if he will attend the ceremony. Instead, according to a source familiar with the internal White House discussion, he is considering launching his bid to run again in 2024 that day. "If we don't act now, the future will be very bleak. Americans need help and they need it now. And they need more to come early next year," said Biden, who takes office on January 20.
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