Biden in White House for 1st time as president

The 46th president and first lady Jill Biden walked through a military cordon lining the White House driveway with the flags of U.S. states, leading the first couple to the main entrance under the North Portico on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and family, walk in front of the White House during a Presidential Escort to the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden entered the White House for the first time as chief executive after walking an abbreviated parade route, still wearing his protective mask amid sounds of “Hail to the Chief.”

Biden was expected to immediately begin working, with a stack of executive orders on immigration and other matters awaiting his signature.

The final ceremonial flourish completed an abbreviated inaugural afternoon unlike any Washington has seen, with Biden being seen in person by only a relative smattering of Americans given security lockdowns after the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and public health protocols amid the ongoing pandemic.

Next Up In Washington

Makeover of O'Hare's Terminal 3 takes off as airlines mull deal on expansion, Global Terminal

Terry Anderson, AP reporter abducted in Lebanon and held captive for years, has died at 76

Congress backs billions in aid for Ukraine, Israel. How did Illinois members vote?

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Welch travels to Washington on fundraising trip

Remains of Illinois soldier who died in Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during WWII identified

Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site