Donald Trump's first inaugural address was the shortest in decades, but was no where near the shortest speech.
The article from WFAA discusses the varying lengths of U.S. Presidential Inaugural Addresses, highlighting both the longest and shortest speeches in history. William Henry Harrison holds the record for the longest speech, speaking for nearly two hours in 1841, which many believe contributed to his subsequent illness and death. Conversely, George Washington's second inaugural address in 1793 was the shortest, with just 135 words. The piece also notes that while some presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln delivered relatively brief speeches, others like John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson opted for longer addresses. The article reflects on how the length of these speeches often correlates with the historical context and the president's approach to communication, with modern presidents generally keeping their speeches shorter due to changes in media and public attention spans.
Politics & Government
Mon, January 20, 2025 
