Since the very first inaugural address delivered by George Washington, our nation’s chief executives have used their speeches to outline a vision for America’s future and rouse the American people to rally behind their ideals.

Since George Washington’s first inaugural address, US presidents have used the occasion to inspire and share their vision for the country’s future. But one president went far beyond the norm, delivering a speech that left supporters standing in freezing weather for over an hour and a half.

Few addresses could rival the tragic tale of William Henry Harrison. “Tippecanoe” Harrison was elected the 9th president of the U.S. in 1840 but ran into exceptionally foul weather on his Inauguration Day. Ill but persevering, he delivered a lengthy speech hatless and coatless, went home to bed and died there a few weeks later.

Donald Trump's first inaugural address was the shortest in decades, but was no where near the shortest speech.

Donald Trump's first inaugural address was the shortest in decades, but was no where near the shortest speech.

A president’s inauguration is a historic day, where scores of Americans travel across the country to see their new president get sworn in and give their first speech as commander in chief.

Prince Harry’s trial against the publisher of The Sun follows two decades of legal drama over the cutthroat practices of the British press in the days when newspapers sold millions of copies and shaped the popular conversation.

Trump's second inauguration speech came out to 2,885 words — considerably longer than his 2017 address, though shorter than the off-the-cuff remarks he gave to supporters after being sworn in Monday.

Ironically, the coldest inauguration was just four years later, when President Ronald Reagan publicly took the oath for a second time. The morning started off at 4 below zero. By noon, it was just 7 degrees, and wind chills ranged from -10 to -20 degrees. Not only was the swearing-in held indoors, but the parade was also canceled.

Trump reclaimed the title on Monday when he became the 47th president. He is also 78, but five months and six days older than Biden was on his inauguration. During the election, age became a key issue for Biden, who is 82. Last summer, he faced calls to withdraw from the race because of his age following a faltering debate performance.

President William Henry Harrison (Whig), who died a month into his presidency in 1841, is the only president to make no federal judicial appointments. President Jimmy Carter (D) made the most judicial appointments relative to his tenure in the White House.

Missouri was admitted as the 24th state to the United States of America on August 10, 1821. As of January 2025, a total of 312 individuals have represented Missouri in the U.S. House. U.S. House Missouri District 1 Wesley Bell Democratic January 3, 2025 ...