Inaugural Addresses

Dwight Eisenhower inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1953

Eisenhower's inaugural address was littered with his hopes for global piece and international cooperation, at a time when mankind's technological capacity was accelerating at a pace that was frightening to many. "The promise of this life is imperiled by the very genius that has made it possible," he said.

Richard Nixon inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1973

Nixon, in his inaugural address, said America would no longer "make every other nation’s conflict our own". A week later, America officially ceased all action in Vietnam.

George H.W. Bush inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1989

George H.W. Bush used his inaugural address to discuss the drug problem in America, likening cocaine to a deadly bacteria that has hurt the body and soul of the country. He was was sworn into office on January 20, 1989.

George W. Bush inaugural address: Jan. 20, 2005

Just over three years after the Twin Towers attacks, George W. Bush was sworn in for his second term as president.

George W. Bush inaugural address: Jan. 20, 2001

When George W. Bush was sworn into office in 2001, he chose a Lincoln quote that foreshadowed some of what would come later that year: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.”

Bill Clinton inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1997

Clinton used his inaugural speech to review a century that his presidency would see out, and continued pledges to make government smaller and more efficient.

Bill Clinton inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1993

William Jefferson Clinton's first inauguration in 1993 served up a line that would rank among the notable inauguration quotes: "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

Ronald Reagan inaugural address: Jan. 20, 1981

As Ronald Reagan prepared to lead America, with the Cold War still running and global economic challenges, his take on government's role would become a favorite Republican refrain: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."