When Donald J. Trump became the 45th president of the United States in 2017, he was the oldest, at 70 years old, to be sworn into office. But then, Joseph R. Biden Jr. upended that record when he took the oath at 78, in 2021.
Mr. Trump reclaimed the title on Monday when he became the 47th president. He is also 78, but five months and six days older than Mr. Biden was on his inauguration.
During the election, age became a key issue for Mr. Biden, who is 82. Last summer, he faced calls to withdraw from the race because of his age following a faltering debate performance.
After Mr. Biden dropped out, Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee. Age resurfaced as an election issue as Mr. Trump competed against Ms. Harris, almost 20 years his junior at the age of 60.
Here is a look at some of the oldest and youngest presidents to take office.
Ronald Reagan on Inauguration Day in 1981. The president he succeeded, Jimmy Carter, and his wife, the incoming first lady, Nancy Reagan, are among those applauding.Credit…George Tames/The New York Times
Before Mr. Trump in 2017, Ronald Reagan was the oldest president. He was 69 in 1981 when he first took office. Mr. Reagan was 77 after his second term, the oldest president to leave office.
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