Story perspectives

Trump's Inauguration Sees 24.6 Million Viewers, Lags Behind Biden

1/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20 drew an average of 24.6 million viewers, a stark contrast to Joe Biden's 33.8 million in 2021 and Trump's own first inauguration's 30.6 million in 2017. The event reached a peak of 34.4 million during his speech, with Fox News leading the pack at 10.3 million, while CNN and MSNBC experienced notable drops.

History

Historical Context

Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20 drew 24.6 million viewers, lower than previous inaugurations. This reflects a broader trend in political polarization and media consumption since Trump's first term, where his rhetoric and social media strategies reshaped political engagement. Historically, such shifts echo the divisive nature of the 1960s and 1970s, when political discourse became increasingly contentious, impacting viewership and public sentiment.

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Story summary

Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20 drew an average of 24.6 million viewers, a stark contrast to Joe Biden's 33.8 million in 2021 and Trump's own first inauguration's 30.6 million in 2017. The event reached a peak of 34.4 million during his speech, with Fox News leading the pack at 10.3 million, while CNN and MSNBC experienced notable drops.

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