In yet another example of the opacity that defined his presidency, Joe Biden's White House blocked all press access to a mysterious swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 1:30 PM, leaving Americans in the dark about official government business being conducted behind closed doors.
The deliberate exclusion of journalists from the event stands in stark contrast to the transparency promised by Biden during his 2020 campaign and highlights the pattern of secrecy that characterized his administration's approach to the American people.
A Pattern of Hiding From the Public
The blocked ceremony raises immediate questions: Who was being sworn in? For what position? And why was the Biden administration so desperate to keep cameras and reporters away from what should be routine government business?
Throughout his four years in office, Biden repeatedly demonstrated a reluctance to face the press and answer tough questions. From his historically low number of press conferences to his handlers' frequent attempts to shield him from unscripted moments, the former president's team consistently prioritized control over transparency.
"The American people have a right to know what their government is doing. Secret ceremonies and closed-door deals are the hallmarks of an administration that doesn't trust the citizens it claims to serve."
This incident serves as a reminder of why voters decisively chose President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, rejecting four years of an administration that too often treated the press—and by extension, the American people—as adversaries to be managed rather than constituents to be informed.
What Were They Hiding?
The timing of the secretive ceremony only adds to the intrigue. With the Biden administration in its final phase, questions abound about last-minute appointments, potential controversial personnel decisions, or other actions the outgoing president preferred to conduct away from public scrutiny.
Government transparency advocates have long criticized the Biden White House for its handling of press relations, noting that the administration frequently provided minimal notice for events, limited reporter access, and relied heavily on prepared statements rather than open dialogue.
The swearing-in ceremony blackout fits neatly into this troubling pattern. In a functioning democracy, the peaceful transfer of power and the conduct of official government business should occur in the sunlight, not the shadows.
A New Era of Accountability
As President Trump's administration takes the reins, Americans can expect a return to the kind of direct, unfiltered communication that defined his first term. Unlike his predecessor, Trump has never shied away from the press or the tough questions that come with leading the free world.
The contrast could not be more clear: while Biden hid behind closed doors for secret ceremonies, President Trump has consistently demonstrated his willingness to engage directly with the American people, whether through press conferences, rallies, or social media.
The mysterious blocked ceremony will likely remain just another unanswered question from an administration that too often chose secrecy over transparency—a fitting symbol of why the American people voted for change in 2024.