The 60th Presidential Inauguration of the United States took place on January 20, 2025, marking a significant moment in American history. This event saw the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, making him the 45th and 47th President of the United States. But why is it the 60th inauguration when Trump is only the 47th president? Let’s dive into the details.
When a president is re-elected, they must take the oath of office again, meaning there is another inauguration every four years on January 20, the year after an election
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. This tradition dates back to the early days of the republic and ensures that each term of a president is formally recognized. Trump is the 22nd president to have served more than one term in office, including vice presidents who won re-election after taking over when a president has died
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Interestingly, Trump is just the second president to serve non-consecutive terms, the first being Grover Cleveland. Cleveland served as the 22nd and 24th president, while Trump is now listed as the 45th and 47th president
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. This unique situation adds to the count of presidential inaugurations.
The only person to have served more than two terms in office is Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served four consecutive terms during the Great Depression and World War II. After his presidency, Congress passed a law limiting presidents to two terms
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. This law ensures that no president can hold office for more than eight years, maintaining a balance of power.
The inauguration number also doesn’t include the times a vice president has abruptly been elevated to the presidency. Eight vice presidents have taken the oath of office after the death of a president, while another was sworn in after a presidential resignation. In those nine occasions, there weren’t inaugural ceremonies
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Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been in charge of organizing the event. This committee allows Congress to work with the Presidential Inaugural Committee, a non-profit organization that is jump-started following the November election to represent the President-elect and organize inauguration activities outside of the U.S. Capitol
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For the 2025 inauguration, the PIC organized the inauguration parade and several formal balls celebrating Trump’s win. Due to frigid temperatures in Washington, D.C., the inauguration ceremony was moved indoors to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, marking the first time since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony in 1985 that the event was held indoors
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. Trump also held a celebration at the Capital One Arena for those who planned to attend the inauguration outside. A modified presidential parade, which included marching bands inside the arena, replaced the usual inaugural parade
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The 60th Presidential Inauguration was a historic event, reflecting the resilience and continuity of American democracy. It showcased the nation’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances while honoring long-standing traditions.
For a visual experience of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, you can watch the ceremony on YouTube.
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: News Center Maine
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: YouTube
What do you think about this unique aspect of American history?
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newscentermaine.com
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www.youtube.com
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