Donald Trump will be inaugurated as president this Monday at noon. We speak with Bristol Community College Associate Professor of History and Government Don Kilguss on the history of presidential inaugurations and facts about Mr. Trump as he assumes office for the second time.
Until 1933 the inauguration was held on March 4th which was the day the U.S. Constitution was first in effect. The twentieth amendment and Congressional legislation set the date and time as January 20th at noon (unless the day fell on a Sunday).
When Mr. Trump takes the oath on Monday, he will come into office under unique circumstances.
Mr. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will make history when it comes to how old each will be when taking office.
Mr. Kilguss says the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has administered the oath of office at every inauguration except the first when George Washington became president. And the pageantry surrounding the inauguration has evolved to become a day-long event.
The inauguration is also time to look back at the legacy of the outgoing president. Mr. Kilguss says the impact of Joe Biden’s presidency cannot be gleaned so soon after it ends.
