State Dept. condemns arrests, repression in Russia

Former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama highlighted the importance of a peaceful transfer of power in a new video message set to air Wednesday night, ABC News confirmed.

The video, organized by the inaugural committee, features a conversation with the leaders about upholding democracy and staying civically engaged.

The three were the only former presidents at the inauguration ceremony. Jimmy Carter was unable to attend and Donald Trump left the White House ahead of the swearing-in.

-ABC News' Cecilia Vega and Mae Joo

The president continued to stress unity and optimism despite the challenges the U.S. faces during the inauguration's "Celebrating America" program Wednesday night.

"This is a great nation. We're a good people. And overcoming the challenges in front of us requires the most elusive things in a democracy -- unity," Biden said during live remarks from the Lincoln Memorial, after being introduced by host Tom Hanks.

"It requires us to come together in common love that defines us as Americans," he continued. "America's story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but all of us. On we, the people. That's the task before us." 

He described this moment -- confronted with a "pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, a climate crisis, and threats to our very democracy" -- as one that asks more of Americans, and said he believes the country will rise to the occasion.

"You, the American people are the reason why I've never been more optimistic about America than I am this very day," Biden said. "There isn't anything we can't do if we do it together."

Kamala Harris will not immediately move into the vice president's residence at the Naval Observatory, an aide confirmed to ABC News.

The unspecified delay is to "allow for repairs to the home that are more easily conducted with the home unoccupied," the aide said.

The repairs are to replace the liners in the chimneys "and other household maintenance," the aide said.

-ABC News' Benjamin Siegel

Biden felt like he was "coming home" after being sworn in as president Wednesday, according to the White House press secretary.

"Remember, he spent eight years here as the vice president, playing an important role as a partner to President Obama. And, you know, that was the emotion that overtook him today," Jen Psaki said during a press briefing when asked what it was like for Biden to be in the Oval Office.

The president also felt an "incredible sense of calm" and "joy" on Wednesday, she said.

"He spent the day with his family and his grandchildren and his children, and that always has an impact, I think," Psaki said.