Trump’s Second Inauguration Draws Fewer Viewers Than Biden’s in 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump‘s second inauguration ceremony on January 24, 2025, attracted nine million fewer U.S. viewers than Joe Biden‘s inauguration in 2021, according to Nielsen ratings. The event drew six million fewer viewers than Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, marking the lowest television audience for a presidential swearing-in since 1969.

The ceremony, held at the U.S. Capitol, was watched by a predominantly older audience, with 17% of U.S. citizens aged 55 and over tuning in. In contrast, only 1.9% of viewers aged 18 to 34 watched the event. Fox News led the coverage with 10.67 million viewers, followed by ABC News with 4.85 million.

Historically, second-term inaugurations tend to draw smaller audiences. George W. Bush‘s second inauguration in 2005 holds the record for the lowest TV viewership since 1969. However, Richard Nixon‘s second inauguration in 1973 bucked the trend, increasing its audience by six million compared to his first.

Trump’s inauguration ratings fell far short of Barack Obama‘s first swearing-in in 2009, which drew 38 million viewers and remains the most-watched inauguration since 1981. Biden’s 2021 ceremony, held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted a larger audience, with Fox News recording its smallest viewership among major networks during that event.

“Ratings for second inaugurations typically drop, but the sharp decline in younger viewers is notable,” said a Nielsen spokesperson. “This reflects broader trends in media consumption and political engagement among different age groups.”