Past Inaugurations Show That Incoming And Outgoing Presidents Act Totally Differently

#1

The inauguration has passed and Donald J. Trump has become the 45th President of the United States.

#2

It's hard to imagine what was going through his mind as he was sworn in as the leader of the free world.

#3

As presidents do on inauguration day, Trump gave an impassioned and confident speech laying out the general direction he wishes to take the country over the next four years.

#4

Many people have been interpreting this inauguration-day photo as evidence that Trump and Melania have a cold relationship or that they are overly serious.

#5

Here's another shot of what some consider a lack of emotion. Some people have even pointed out situations in which Melania looked depressed or sad. It's hard to believe on such a momentous day, but let's see...

#6

Melania did have a serious face on some of the day, but does this mean she was miserable? Perhaps it was dawning on her that she was becoming first lady of the United States.

#7

It's hard to tell what is really going on, obviously. Let's take a look back at some previous inaugurations to see how other incoming presidents and first ladies have acted...

#8

At the 2001 inauguration, it appears as if outgoing president Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary are having the time of their lives. President-elect George W. Bush and his wife Barbara seem quite a bit more reserved. Interesting.

#9

This photo is harder to interpret, but incoming president George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara seem to be trying to keep it together here during their inauguration day in 1989.

Barbara looked the most worried I would say. Let's see if Reagan looked worried on his inauguration day...

#10

I have to say, President-elect Reagan and his wife Nancy look pretty stunned.

If I'm not mistaken, outgoing President Carter seems to be looking at Reagan, perhaps wondering how he was taking the whole experience of becoming president.

#11

What's really interesting is to see Barack and Michelle Obama on inauguration day 2009.

#12

If you take a look at this photo from Obama's inauguration on January 20th, 2009, things look different.

The outgoing President Bush seems ecstatic and fully relaxed, kind of like Obama during Trump's inauguration.

#13

Even in this picture, George W. Bush seems quite jubilant, while the Obamas are a little more reserved.

Can you imagine how the sudden realization that you are President of the United States may have that affect on someone?

#14

Ultimately, it looks like President Bush did a great job welcoming Obama into the White House. Look at those smiles!

#15

Doesn't that just bring a tear to your eye?

#16

One thing is for sure, there is a respect between the outgoing and incoming presidents that seems to always exist.

They know exactly what the new president will have to deal with.

#17

This year was no exception! Isn't it interesting how the outgoing president welcomes the potentially awestruck incoming president?