Today marks a historic day—Donald Trump is being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. As I reflect on this moment, I’m reminded of the many layers of history that come with every inauguration, each one carrying its own unique stories and milestones. This year is no exception.
The ceremony, which will take place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to the biting cold, is a departure from the grand outdoor events we’ve come to expect. Trump, at 78 years and 7 months, is making history as the oldest person ever to be sworn in as president. This distinction, until today, belonged to Joe Biden, who took office in 2021 at 78 years and 2 months. It’s fascinating to see how history continually rewrites itself.
Speaking of presidential milestones, I’m struck by how age has played a role in shaping perceptions of leadership. On the other end of the spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt holds the record as the youngest president, assuming office at just 42 years and 322 days following the assassination of William McKinley. And let’s not forget John F. Kennedy, the youngest elected president, who took office at 43 years and 236 days. It’s a reminder of the diverse paths that lead to the presidency.
One unique aspect of today’s inauguration is Trump’s return to office after a non-consecutive term. He joins Grover Cleveland in this rare achievement, making him both the 45th and 47th president. This quirk of history highlights how few individuals have delivered inaugural addresses compared to the total number of presidencies. Each address—including today’s—adds a new chapter to the nation’s evolving story.
As I think back to inaugurations past, certain moments stand out for their symbolism and significance. George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789 took place in New York City, while his second, in 1793, was in Philadelphia. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration in 1801 that Washington, D.C., became the standard location. These shifts mirror the growing identity of a young nation.
Then there are the unforgettable anecdotes, like William Henry Harrison’s marathon inaugural address in 1841. Standing coatless in the cold for over two hours, he delivered the longest speech in inaugural history, only to succumb to pneumonia a month later. It was the shortest presidency, yet it left a lasting impression.
Other moments feel almost cinematic. Calvin Coolidge being sworn in by his father at their Vermont home after Warren Harding’s sudden death is one such scene. Picture it: a kerosene lamp casting flickering light at 2:47 AM, as a father administers the oath to his son. It’s a poignant reminder of the humanity behind these monumental transitions.
And who could forget the extremes of weather? Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985 holds the record for the coldest at 7°F, while his first in 1981 was the warmest at 55°F. Weather, it seems, has a way of making its own statement on these historic days.
Traditions evolve, too. John F. Kennedy was the last president to wear a top hat at his inauguration in 1961. His decision to remove it during the oath marked the end of an era. Yet, he also introduced a new tradition by inviting poet Robert Frost to recite a poem, weaving art and politics together in a powerful way.
Technology has played a growing role in shaping inaugurations. From James Buchanan’s in 1857, the first to be photographed, to Bill Clinton’s in 1997, the first to be streamed online, each technological leap has brought Americans closer to these moments. Today, as Trump takes the oath of office, millions will watch through screens of all kinds, connected by the shared experience of witnessing history.
Inauguration Day is more than just a ceremony; it’s a reflection of who we are as a nation. It’s a day of beginnings, of continuity, and of change. Today, as Donald Trump becomes the 47th president, we turn another page in our shared story. And no matter where you stand politically, there’s something profoundly moving about watching democracy in action.