Lady Gaga, Bono and more stars react to President Biden’s inauguration

After years of the White House being a pariah in Hollywood under President Trump’s administration, celebrities descended upon the nation’s capital for Wednesday’s inauguration.

President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., sparking reactions from Bono, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and more stars. 

U2 frontman Bono sent congratulations to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

“Lady Liberty’s been bruised and battered these past four years, but today her flame burns bright as we watch her torch transfer to two new leaders who will calm the waters, even while they chart a new course,” the Irishman said in a statement on Instagram Wednesday. “Joe Biden understands that in perilous times like these it is Yeats’ concept of cold passion that’s required … an idea both very Irish, and very American.”

© Matt Slocum, AP
The couple, joined by Teigen’s mother Vilailuck Teigen, stopped on the way to Inauguration festivities to pick up some souvenirs.

Mayim Bialik tweeted, “We did it. In so many ways. We, the people.”

Mark Ruffalo said our nation is “going to be okay.”

“From the wreckage there will be renewal, from the wounds will grow compassion and character, from the division will come clarity, from the despair will come wisdom, from the loss will come community,” he tweeted.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson agreed that “hope is on the way.” He tweeted, “It’s been a long four years. Very Long…So happy we made it to today.”

Josh Gad added, “The beauty of calmness and tradition is overwhelming.”

“Sooooo much work to do. But TODAY I want to celebrate,” tweeted Kerry Washington. “And pray. And revel in our tremendous power (even against all odds) to make history happen.”

Mindy Kaling shared a sweet Instagram photo of her daughter Katherine Swati looking on as Harris was sworn in as vice president, becoming the first woman, first Black American and first South Asian American to hold the office. 

“I was at work, but apparently she said: ‘Is that mommy? It looks like mommy,’ ” wrote Kaling, who is also of South Asian American descent. “Best compliment I ever got! It matters. Happy Inauguration everyone.”

Ahead of the inauguration, Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem at the swearing-in ceremony, tweeted a solemn picture of herself praying inside of the Capitol Tuesday. 

“I pray tomorrow will be a day of peace for all Americans,” she captioned a photo of herself matching the grand architecture of the Capitol in all-white. The photo was shared nearly two weeks after the building was swarmed by a pro-Trump mob.  

She continued: “A day for love, not hatred. A day for acceptance not fear. A day for dreaming of our future joy as a country. A dream that is non-violent, a dream that provides safety for our souls. Love, from the Capitol.”

Joe Biden’s inauguration: Which celebrities are performing, where and how to watch

Lopez, who also performed at Biden’s inauguration, arrived in Washington, D.C. in style. “DC Bound,” she captioned her traveling outfit. 

Later Tuesday, Lopez snapped selfies with members of the National Guard.

“What an honor to spend a few moments with these brave men and women,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I honor you today and everyday. 🇺🇸 Tomorrow I sing for you and all Americans.” 

Chrissy Teigen, accompanying her husband John Legend who is scheduled to perform later Wednesday, had a similar experience in the nation’s capital: “we got lost on the way to soundcheck but stumbled across these literal (expletive) heroes!!” she posted Tuesday night. 

The inauguration festivities will be scaled down due to COVID-19 and security concerns, but that’s not stopping stars from celebrating safely from home.

“Black Panther” star Danai Gurira tweeted Tuesday, “It may be a pandemic but we can still celebrate the historic inauguration of @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris safely from home!”

More: 10 best inauguration performances of all time, including Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson

In a video, the actress said she’s “so thrilled we are kicking off the new year with a new president.” And although “this is going to be a different inauguration than usual,” she said everyone will still be “together, yet apart.”

Kumail Nanjiani celebrated the incoming administration during his appearance at the AAPI Inauguration Ball, a virtual event that streamed online Tuesday.

“The new administration sees us as belonging here too,” he said. “I’m excited to see Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sworn in, because it promises the return of decency, empathy and competence. We’re gonna have adults in charge again. I am so excited.”

Daniel Dae Kim also appeared during the stream to express what the new administration means to him.

“Are you guys as excited as I am right now?” he said. “You know, I have to admit that there are times I thought this day might never come, but here it is, and I’m super excited.”

< span>‘This is a statement of unity’: Garth Brooks to perform at Joe Biden’s inauguration

Contributing: Charles Trepany

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘We did it’: Lady Gaga, Bono and more stars react to President Biden’s inauguration