© 2025 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The history of US presidential inaugurations

 President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address in 2017.
Patrick Semansky
/
AP
In this Jan. 20, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 45th president of the United States during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Today, when he takes the oath of office, Donald Trump will become the first person since Grover Cleveland to serve a second nonconsecutive term as U.S. President.

The venerated ceremony symbolizes a peaceful transfer of power and has long been an American tradition. On this hour of All Sides, we’ve convened a panel to talk about the history of the presidential inauguration.

Guests:

  • Paul Beck, professor emeritus of Political Science at Ohio State University
  • Elizabeth Goldsmith, professor emerita at Florida State University
  • Brian Balogh, professor emeritus of history University of Virginia

If you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Stay Connected