Experts from RMIT University available for comment about the US presidential inauguration

Dr Emma Shortis (0430 358 798 or emma.shortis@rmit.edu.au)

Topics: US history, US politics, Trump administration, Biden administration  

“The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States will be like no other in American history.

“Presidential inaugurations are hugely important political and cultural touchstones in the United States. They often signal the beginning of a new political era and have produced some of the most iconic and important presidential speeches in history. 

“But Joe Biden’s inauguration happens in the shadow of several major crises in America. The events themselves will occur under enormous security, as precautions are taken against another event like the siege of the Capitol earlier this month. The threat of further violence is not to be underestimated. The event also takes place during an uncontrolled pandemic ravaging America, along with economic and climate crises, and undeniable systemic racism.

“The task Joe Biden has set himself—to heal and unify the United States—is a huge one. His inauguration will give us a preview of how he plans to do that—and whether those Americans who still support Donald Trump, despite everything, will let him try.” 

Dr Emma Shortis is a Research Officer at the EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT University. She was a Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University during her PhD in history, is a regular media commentator on the history and current politics of the US and co-host of RMIT’s politics and culture podcast Barely Gettin’ By

Associate Professor Aiden Warren (0420 315 003 or aiden.warren@rmit.edu.au) 

Topics: US politics, Trump administration, US foreign policy, Biden administration, NATO

“The horrendous events on the Capitol on 6 January and a second impeachment in the last week of his Presidency brings a chaotic end to the chaotic and disgraceful Trump administration. 

“Donald J Trump has become the first US President to be impeached twice. This impeachment, unlike his first, was bipartisan. All told, 10 Republican representatives cast their vote to impeach Trump. Will this translate to a Senate conviction?

“To many Senate Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, it is evident that President Donald Trump committed impeachable offences, however, getting McConnell and at least 16 other Republicans to convict Trump after he's left office is another question. 

“While security will be bolstered in the lead up to the Biden inauguration on 20 January, the FBI has received information indicating ‘armed protests’ are being planned at all 50 state capitols and the US Capitol in Washington, DC. 

“In the meantime, Joe Biden will try to set the course during his first 100 days -- he is facing four concurrent crises: a catastrophic pandemic, the subsequent economic fallout, a national reckoning over racial justice and policing, and the ongoing global threat climate change poses… not to mention the hangover of Trumpism.”  

Dr Aiden Warren is an Associate Professor at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies and is the 2018-19 Fulbright Scholar in Australia-United States Alliance Studies. His expertise includes international security and relations, US national security and foreign policy, US politics and arms control. His latest book is on US foreign policy and China.

*** 

For other media enquiries, please contact RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au