20 Historical Mishaps That Happened During Presidential Inaugurations
Uncover surprising moments when presidential inaugurations didn't go as planned, proving that history's big days can take unexpected turns.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Presidential inaugurations aren’t always picture-perfect. Some turned into wild stories thanks to unexpected hiccups like storms, forgotten essentials, or even rowdy crowds. These moments remind us that even formal ceremonies can go off script. Let’s look at 20 times history threw a curveball at the nation’s big day.
1. A Forgotten Bible at Franklin Pierce’s Ceremony
Not identified on Wikimedia Commons
Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, started his term without the Bible. The sacred book was accidentally left behind, and the oath had to proceed without it, adding to a rocky start to his presidency.
2. William Henry Harrison’s Deadly Long Speech
Charles Fenderich. Scanned by the Library of Congress. on Wikimedia Commons
Opting for a two-hour address in freezing rain, Harrison’s speech became a tragic mistake. It contributed to him catching pneumonia and dying just 31 days later, which marks the shortest presidency in history.
3. John F. Kennedy’s Hatless Debut in the Cold
Betty Beale on Wikimedia Commons
JFK chose fashion over warmth, delivering his iconic speech hatless and without a coat. While it looked sharp, he endured frigid weather to set a youthful vigor and style tone.
4. The Blizzard That Stalled Ulysses S. Grant’s Parade
Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress on Wikimedia Commons
Grant’s second inauguration faced a relentless snowstorm that buried the parade route. Washington, D.C., became a winter wonderland, but the celebrations were frozen in their tracks.
5. Andrew Jackson’s Rowdy Public Reception
Allyn Cox on Wikimedia Commons
Jackson’s open house became chaotic when rowdy supporters stormed the White House. Furniture was damaged, and punch was served from the lawn to lure the crowd outside.
6. Ronald Reagan’s Postponed Parade
White House Photographic Collection on Wikimedia Commons
Due to extreme cold, Reagan’s second inauguration had to abandon parade plans. Temperatures hit record lows, making the day memorable for its frost rather than its festivities.
7. Grover Cleveland’s Rainy Swearing-In
Bain News Service, publisher on Wikimedia Commons
Grover Cleveland’s second inauguration was drenched by heavy rain, turning the event into a soggy spectacle. Crowds huddled under umbrellas as he took the oath, making it a wet start to his second term.
8. Taft’s Soggy Swearing-In Indoors
USCapitol on Wikimedia Commons
Due to torrential rains, William Howard Taft’s inauguration was moved indoors. Instead of an outdoor spectacle, he took his oath inside the Capitol, which was dry but far less grand.
9. The Bungled Oath of Herbert Hoover
National Photo Company Collection on Wikimedia Commons
Chief Justice William Howard Taft stumbled over the words while administering Herbert Hoover’s oath of office. The awkward moment made headlines and added an unintentional twist to the ceremony.
10. Abraham Lincoln’s Security Scare
USCapitol on Wikimedia Commons
Fears of an assassination attempt marked Lincoln’s first inauguration. He had to sneak into Washington, D.C., under tight security, setting a tense tone for the event.
11. Truman’s Hiccup-Packed Ceremony
Abbie Rowe on Wikimedia Commons
During Harry Truman’s inauguration, there were logistical hiccups, including microphone failures and seating mix-ups. Truman’s humor and calm demeanor kept things on track despite the chaos.
12. A Power Outage During Clinton’s Event
Photographs of the White House Photograph Office on Wikimedia Commons
A power outage briefly interrupted the live television broadcast during Bill Clinton’s first inauguration. Crews scrambled to restore the feed, and the world waited in suspense to see what would happen next.
13. The Frozen Champagne Toast for Eisenhower
USMC Archives on Wikimedia Commons
Frozen weather greeted Dwight Eisenhower’s second inauguration, chilling the champagne toast. Guests braved the cold to celebrate, making it a memorable moment.
14. The Long Wait at Jefferson’s Swearing-In
Saint-Mémin, Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de on Wikimedia Commons
Thomas Jefferson’s first inauguration started late because officials miscalculated the time it would take to prepare. Guests sat awkwardly as they waited for the ceremony to begin.
15. Johnson’s Sworn-In Mid-Air
Cecil W. Stoughton on Wikimedia Commons
Following JFK’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath on Air Force One. The rushed ceremony was somber and unprecedented, marking a turning point in history.
16. Reagan’s Lost Bible Moment
Pete Souza on Wikimedia Commons
The family Bible he wanted to use temporarily disappeared during Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration. Thankfully, it was found just before he took the oath.
17. Nixon’s Unruly Protesters
Ollie Atkins on Wikimedia Commons
A large crowd of anti-war protesters met Richard Nixon’s second inauguration. Their chants and signs made headlines, adding tension to what was supposed to be a celebratory event.
18. Carter’s Walk to the White House
Unknown author or not provided on Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Carter broke tradition by walking down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House instead of riding in a car. This unexpected move delighted some and worried others, particularly the security team.
19. Coolidge’s Makeshift Swearing-In
Arthur I. Keller on Wikimedia Commons
After President Harding’s sudden death, Calvin Coolidge took the oath of office at his father’s home. His father, a notary public, administered the oath in a simple and unusual ceremony.
20. Obama’s Oath Re-Do
White House/Sonya Hebert on Wikimedia Commons
During Barack Obama’s first inauguration, Chief Justice John Roberts flubbed the oath’s wording. To ensure everything was official, Obama retook the oath in a private ceremony the next day.