President Joe Biden performed a virtual swearing-in ceremony for several new appointees and staffers to the White House this week. In his remarks, the new president said that “everyone, every single person, regardless of their background, is entitled to be treated with dignity.”

Biden addressed a screen of his new appointees on Zoom from the State Dining Room, some with their families in view. Keeping with his theme of “unity” and “dignity,” Biden said that those who aren’t able to respect one another “will be fired on the spot.”

The new president’s message stands in contrast to the notoriously undignified Trump White House. In another change from the Trump administration, Biden asserted that his staff and appointments’ loyalties lie not with him, but the American people. “People don’t work for us, we work for the people,” Biden said. “I work for the people. They pay my salary. They pay your salary.”

Biden’s nominations for his cabinet are having their Senate hearings and votes this week. With Democrats picking up two new seats in Georgia this month, the Senate is now controlled by Democrats.

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When asked if he believes his nominees will have trouble being confirmed, Biden assured, “I’m confident we can move quickly.”

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Brandon Mumei

Article by Brandon Mumei