Being the president of the United States can really take a toll on you. Here's photographic proof of how much presidents changed throughout their time in office: from fresh-faced newcomers to grizzled veterans, the presidency has a way of aging its occupants. But beyond the physical toll, being president is also a major responsibility—one that has been shouldered by some of America's greatest leaders.
Before Woodrow Wilson took office in 1913, the White House saw a number of other presidents come and go. Some, like Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, are remembered as influential figures who helped shape the nation's destiny. Others, like William Henry Harrison and James A. Garfield, are remembered more for their tragically short tenures in office.
On October 2, 1919, then President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke that left him blind in one eye, partially paralyzed and barely able to communicate. This event marked a turning point in Wilson's presidency, as his health struggles limited his ability to govern effectively. Despite this setback, Wilson continued to serve as president until the end of his term in 1921.
When America's leaders can't think of the perfect word for certain situations, they sometimes make one up. And those new words often go down in history as part of the presidential lexicon. For example, Theodore Roosevelt coined the term "bully pulpit" to describe the power of the presidency to shape public opinion. Franklin D. Roosevelt famously used the term "New Deal" to describe his ambitious program of social and economic reforms.
It's the birthday of Ronald Reagan, and it is not hard to find some interesting facts about the 40th President. Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911. He went on to become a successful actor and union leader before entering politics. As president, Reagan is remembered for his conservative policies and his role in ending the Cold War.
Former President Donald Trump is no Teddy Roosevelt. But look closer and he shares three disturbing traits with Roosevelt that should worry us all. First, both men were willing to use their power to attack the press and undermine the free flow of information. Second, both men were willing to use their power to advance their own personal interests, often at the expense of the public good. And third, both men were willing to use force to achieve their goals, even when diplomacy might have been a better option.
The biography for President Wilson and past presidents is courtesy of the White House Historical Association. Woodrow Wilson, a leader of the Progressive movement, served as president from 1913 to 1921. During his time in office, Wilson oversaw a number of important reforms, including the establishment of the Federal Reserve and the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Can Congress subpoena a former president? Yes—but it's often more of a voluntary situation. While former presidents are not immune from congressional subpoenas, they do enjoy a certain degree of protection under the law. In most cases, a former president will comply with a congressional subpoena to avoid a legal battle.
The Vermont State Colleges System announced Vermont State University President Parwinder Grewal has resigned for “personal reasons.” Grewal had been serving as president of Vermont State University since 2019, and had previously served as provost and senior vice president at the California State University System.
In the first posed photograph of Woodrow Wilson after his stroke, First Lady Edith Galt Wilson holds the paper he is portrayed as signing, as he was unable to sign his own name at the time. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the toll that the presidency can take on even the strongest leaders.
