Every four years, a new U.S. president begins their term with a daylong inauguration event, approximately 75 days after the election. This tradition, dating back to George Washington's first inauguration in 1789, has evolved over time. A key element of this ceremony is the inaugural address delivered by the incoming president.
The speech is typically around 2,300 words and lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. It serves as an opportunity for the president to outline their goals and set the tone for their administration. The shortest inaugural address was given by George Washington in 1793, consisting of only 135 words. In contrast, William Henry Harrison delivered the longest address in 1841 with over 8,000 words. Notably, Harrison's lengthy speech has been linked to his contraction of pneumonia due to standing outside for two hours; he died one month into his term.
The inaugural address remains a significant tradition as it reflects both continuity and change in presidential inaugurations.