FLOSSI AT HISTORIC INAUGURATION
Several U.S. presidents have signed significant and noteworthy documents upon assuming office. These actions are often intended to set the tone for their administrations and address pressing national or global issues. Here are some notable examples:
George Washington (1789)
Inaugural Proclamation:
Washington issued a proclamation calling for a national day of prayer and thanksgiving to mark the birth of the new government under the Constitution.
This act symbolized his commitment to unity and the moral foundation of the nation.
Abraham Lincoln (1861)
Call to Fortify Federal Installations:
Though not technically signed on Inauguration Day, Lincoln immediately faced the secession crisis.
His early orders strengthened federal positions, signaling his resolve to preserve the Union.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)
Emergency Banking Act:
In his first days in office, during the Great Depression, FDR signed this critical legislation to stabilize the banking system.
This followed his Inaugural Address, where he famously declared, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Harry S. Truman (1945)
End of World War II Planning:
Truman assumed office after the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He immediately signed documents related to the ongoing war effort and the post-war reconstruction.
John F. Kennedy (1961)
Executive Orders on Civil Rights:
Early in his presidency, Kennedy signed executive orders establishing the President’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.
While not signed on his first day, these actions reflected themes from his inaugural address emphasizing civil rights and service.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963)
Proclamation Following Kennedy’s Assassination:
Hours after JFK’s assassination, Johnson signed a proclamation designating a national day of mourning and reaffirming the continuity of government.
Ronald Reagan (1981)
Inaugural Proclamation:
Reagan signed an inaugural proclamation, starting the tradition of signing documents in the President’s Room at the Capitol immediately after the oath of office.
This act symbolized his focus on tradition and ceremonial aspects of governance.
Barack Obama (2009)
Executive Orders on Ethics and Transparency:
On his first full day in office, Obama signed executive orders focused on ethics rules for government employees and transparency in federal agencies.
These actions reflected his campaign promises of reform and accountability.
Donald Trump (2017)
Executive Order on the Affordable Care Act:
On his first day, Trump signed an order aimed at minimizing the financial burden of the Affordable Care Act, signaling his administration’s intention to repeal and replace it.
Joe Biden (2021)
Series of Executive Orders:
On Inauguration Day, Biden signed 17 executive actions addressing pressing issues, including:
Rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement.
Ending the travel ban on several majority-Muslim countries.
Instituting a mask mandate on federal property to combat COVID-19.
