Reagan's First State of the Union Address - HISTORY

On January 26, 1982, Ronald Reagan delivers his first State of the Union address as president of the United States, remarking on the historical significance of the tradition.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

With the country discouraged by high inflation, unemployment, gas shortages and the Iran hostage crisis, former California governor Ronald Reagan easily defeated incumbent President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 election. In his inaugural address on January 20, 1981, President Reagan promises to limit the reach of the federal government.

Defeating Democratic nominee Walter Mondale with an unprecedented electoral vote margin, President Ronald Reagan secured a second term as president of the United States. In his inaugural address on January 21, 1985, Reagan introduces the idea of a "new American emancipation."

On June 8, 1982, in the first speech by an American president to a meeting of both houses of the British Parliament, President Ronald Reagan presents his hope for a future that would "leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history."

During his State of the Union address on January 4, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson outlines his proposal for domestic legislation aimed at creating what he calls the "Great Society."

On February 4, 1997, in his first State of the Union address since winning reelection over Bob Dole in 1996, President Bill Clinton focuses on his administration's domestic policy.

After defeating incumbent President George H. W. Bush and ending 12 years of Republican leadership in the White House, President Bill Clinton emphasizes change and renewal in his inaugural address on January 20, 1993.

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE

CLOSE