Only five poets have spoken at presidential inaugurations throughout American history, beginning with Robert Frost at John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration. Maya Angelou and Miller Williams recited poems at Bill Clinton's 1993 and 1997 inaugurations, respectively. Barack Obama was the first president to have two inaugural poets, with Elizabeth Alexander and Richard Blanco performing at his 2009 and 2013 ceremonies. President Trump did not include a poet as part of his 2017 inauguration program.

1. 2009 Inauguration
Inaugural Poets
By Ravi Shankar

2. At his inauguration, President Trump did not include a poet in the program. In
fact, there have only been five inaugural poets throughout American history.
Take a look at the five poets, and the presidents that chose them, below!

3. ROBERT FROST
spoke at the
inauguration of
JOHN F. KENNEDY
in 1961.
He was the first
inaugural poet!

4. MAYA ANGELOU
spoke at the
inauguration of
BILL CLINTON
in 1993.

5. MILLER WILLIAMS
spoke at the
inauguration of
BILL CLINTON
in 1997.

6. ELIZABETH
ALEXANDER
spoke at the
inauguration of
BARACK OBAMA
in 2009.

7. RICHARD BLANCO
spoke at the
inauguration of
BARACK OBAMA
in 2013.

8. For more information, visit
RaviShankarPoet.com!