Joe Biden appeared as if he’s snoozing at Trump ceremony (Image: Getty)
“Sleepy” USA President Joe Biden appeared as though he was already snoozing just minutes into ‘s inauguration ceremony.
The snap of Joe looks as though he’s sleeping as is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America today.
The 82-year-old was photographed drifting off as Mr was sworn in as President in Washington DC in a throw-back to the disastrous TV debate that eventually forced him to drop out of the electoral race.
Mr Biden admitted that he “nearly fell asleep on stage” during the debate in July, which amped up pressure on him to step down and eventually saw Vice President battle Trump for the vote in November’s election.
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Trump was sworn as the 47th US President today (Image: Getty)
He was dubbed “Sleepy Joe” by Trump early in the election campaign and hasn’t been able to shrug off the nickname after appearing to fall asleep at public events including a meeting with African leaders in December and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier this month.
The outgoing President’s last act before stepping down today was to pardon his siblings and their spouses, who he said had been “subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats, motivated solely by a desire to hurt me – the worst kind of partisan politics”.
Despite a show of cordiality between the two men, he added: “Unfortunately, I have no reason to believe these attacks will end.”
Mr Biden also made use of his last few minutes as leader of the free world to issue a slew of pardons and commutations, including for allies who had been targeted by Trump despite not being charged with any crimes.
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He came under fierce criticism from Republicans and those in his own party after pardoning his son Hunter for tax and gun crimes last month.
was sworn in as US President at noon local time and just after 5pm in the UK.
Alongside Biden, all living former presidents were in attendance alongside tech giants including and Jeff Bezos and world leaders – though Sir is notably absent.
The event is being held indoors for the first time since 1985 due to cold temperatures in the US capital.
A Trump official has said he will try to strike a hopeful tone and call for unity in his inauguration speech.