US President Joe Biden says he will fire any staff he sees treating others with "disrespect."
During a virtual swearing-in of 1000 new presidential appointees on Thursday, Biden said he would terminate anyone 'on the spot' if they were seen to be showing disrespect.
"I'm not joking when I say this," he began.
"If you're ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone I promise you I'll fire you on the spot, on the spot, no if, ands, or buts."
The newly-sworn in President called on all appointees to treat each other with dignity and thanked their families for the sacrifice they will make.
He also dressed the importance and nature of their new roles.
"We have such an awful lot to do but I know you. I know your heart, your dedication, your commitment to this nation, and I know you can do it and we're gonna do it by leading with one core American value, humility, and trust, collegiality, diversity, competency, and family."
"History measures us and our fellow Americans… by how decent, honourable and smart we have been in looking out for their interests," he said.
"People don't work for us, we work for the people. I work for the people. They pay my salary. They pay your salary. They put their faith in you. I put my faith in you. And so we have an obligation."
In a nod to the previous presidency, he said everybody is "entitled to be treated with decency and dignity" adding it had been "missing in a big way the last four years".
Biden swore in the 1000 presidential appointees in a virtual ceremony conducted in the White House's State Dining Room.
Biden was inaugurated at the Capitol building on Thursday making him the new US President. Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice-President.
