But mostly it was Biden who commanded the spotlight. Here are a variety of covers from different parts of the world.
Canada’s National Post was one of many articles to seek out Biden’s proclamation, expressed in his inaugural address, that ‘democracy has prevailed’.
It noted Biden’s message of healing and wrote that “an extraordinary, sometimes violent, transition of American power came to a peaceful end on Wednesday.”
United Kingdom
The British newspaper Guardian highlighted the same line and splashed a picture of Biden delivering his speech on its front page, while The Daily Telegraph focused on another line – Biden’s call to end ‘this’ civil war’ that the US divided it.
Britain’s tabloids approached the inauguration with typical zeal and ignored the outspoken rhetoric of Biden’s speech in favor of a swing towards his predecessor. “Don’s Gone … Let’s Go Joe!” wrote the Daily Mail. The Metro encouraged Biden to make ‘Now Make America Great Again’, and reconsider Trump’s long 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’.
But the most revered cover comes from the Daily Star, who put Trump’s face on a photo of the Incredible Hulk.
Ireland
Biden frequently spoke of his Irish heritage, and his victory was marked by front-page headlines across the country. The Irish examiner called it “a new day”, while The Irish Times said he was “restoring the tone” with his address.
Italy
‘Welcome Back America’ was the message in front of La Stampa, one of Italy’s most read newspapers. Trump was widely unpopular in Western Europe, and many EU leaders expressed relief at the start of Biden’s term.
Spain
The Spanish El Mundo welcomed Biden with the candid assessment that there is much to heal in the US. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said after Biden was sworn in: “Today is a wonderful day … We will work with the US for democracy and the strengthening of a more just, sustainable and inclusive world governance.”
Australia
Most of the Thursday papers in Australia were printed before Biden was sworn in, and 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 Western Australian’s blunt broadcast, while tabloid NT News chose a pun in its equally dismissive farewell.
Nigeria
Hong Kong
The South China Morning Post, a daily newspaper for English readers in Hong Kong, showed a photo of Biden with his wife, Jill Biden, and the Second Family during the ceremony.