Inauguration Facts and Figures

Presidential inaugurations have always been expensive, and experts estimate the cost of last week's inauguration of President Donald Trump and the accompanying celebrations to be anywhere between $175 million and $200 million. Here are some interesting facts:

• Republicans and Democrats spend about the same amount for each inaugural celebration when the costs are adjusted for inflation.
• Each year, critics lament the extraordinary cost.
• The cost of a Presidential inauguration is split between private donors and taxpayers.
• Events incorporated into the total cost of an inauguration include the swearing-in at the Capitol, the parade, official parties and dinners, inaugural balls, and security measures.

This Washington Post article summarizes inaugural events and their various price tags in a bit more detail…

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On June 4, 1947, the first high altitude data gathering balloon was launched from the Alamogordo Army Airfield in New Mexico. Officials later determined that remnants of this balloon were discovered on a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico, prompting the start of what would later become known as the "Roswell Incident." This area still carries an air of mystery, possibly due to an extremely popular feature film directed by Steven Spielberg called Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which dealt with UFOs and alien life forms.

Brief Timeline of Events

• June 14, 1947: Foreman William Brazel notices debris at his place of employment, a ranch near Roswell…

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