Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration on March 4, 1801, marked the first time a president was sworn in at the newly established capital of Washington, DC. It has since become the permanent stage for presidential inaugurations, symbolising the central seat of American democracy.

The only constitutionally mandated event on Inauguration Day is for the president-elect to take the oath of office. But on the first Inauguration Day, in 1789, George Washington did something else. He gave a speech . Every president since has followed his example and delivered an inaugural address as part of the national celebration.

1789 — A presidential inauguration has taken place every four years since George Washington took the oath of office in New York City in 1789. He established the tradition for a two term limit and Thomas Jefferson institutionalized it. This tradition was followed by subsequent presidents until President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected four times.

When Donald Trump assumes office on Jan. 20 as the 47th president of the United States, he will mark the solemn occasion with an inaugural address which, while not required

From historic Bibles to the leading role of the country's chief justice, Inauguration Day has been filled with traditions. Which ones have endured?

President-elect Donald Trump's will be sworn in under the Capitol Rotunda, rather than outside. But he's not the only president inaugurated in an unusual location.

President Trump decorated the Oval Office with a collage of family photos and other personal effects that were on full display during his first day back in the White House.

One function of these addresses is to bring the country together. As one political scientist put it, they brim with 'verbal tokens of unity.'

WASHINGTON - There’s no place like home. And for US President Donald Trump, home is back in the White House after four tumultuous years. “What a great feeling,” Mr Trump told reporters when asked how it felt to be back in the Oval Office on Jan 20. “One of the better feelings I’ve ever had.” Mr Trump acted as if he’d never left.

Despite social media attention, the Constitution protects freedom of religion. So putting a hand on a Bible, or even using one at all, isn't required.

After Joe Biden took office in 2021, reports emerged that he had removed the Diet Coke button from the presidential desk. However, with Trump back in the Oval Office, the button has returned to its rightful place, a symbol of his long-standing devotion to the soda.

He saluted the bravery of service members in the nation’s wars and bowed to the presidencies of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Once president, Reagan initially ...