Here’s What 16 US Presidents Looked Like At The Beginning Vs. End Of Their Terms, And It Shows What A Difference 4 (Or Sometimes 8) Stressful Years Make
Being the President of the United States is no small feat. The stress and responsibility that come with the job can take a visible toll on anyone. Let’s take a look at 16 US Presidents and see how they changed from the beginning to the end of their terms.
1. George Washington
When George Washington first took office in 1789, he looked strong and determined. By the time he left in 1797, the weight of leading a new nation was clear on his face.
2. Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln started his presidency in 1861 looking hopeful. However, by 1865, the Civil War had aged him significantly, showing deep lines and a weary expression.
3. Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt began his term in 1901 with a robust and energetic look. By 1909, his face showed signs of the intense work and effort he put into his presidency.
4. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933 during the Great Depression, looking confident. After serving four terms, by 1945, the years of leading through both the Depression and World War II left him looking much older and more fragile.
5. John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy started his presidency in 1961 with youthful charm. Sadly, his term was cut short in 1963, but even in those brief years, the pressures of the Cold War were evident.
6. Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon began his term in 1969 looking poised. By the time he resigned in 1974 amidst the Watergate scandal, his face showed the strain and turmoil of his presidency.
7. Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter took office in 1977 with a friendly and optimistic demeanor. By 1981, the challenges of economic troubles and the Iran hostage crisis had visibly aged him.
8. Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan began his presidency in 1981 with his characteristic Hollywood charm. By 1989, after two terms, he appeared noticeably older but still held a certain grace.
9. Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton started his term in 1993 with a fresh and vigorous look. By 2001, the years had added some gray hairs and wrinkles, reflecting the trials of his presidency.
10. George W. Bush
George W. Bush took office in 2001 looking ready to lead. By 2009, the events of 9/11 and the subsequent wars had clearly taken a toll on his appearance.
11. Barack Obama
Barack Obama began his presidency in 2009 with a youthful and hopeful look. By 2017, his hair had turned gray, and his face showed the signs of navigating through economic recovery and various global challenges.
12. Donald Trump
Donald Trump started his term in 2017 with his distinctive look. By 2021, the pressures of his controversial term had left their mark, though he maintained much of his original appearance.
13. Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson took office in 1801 with a composed and scholarly look. By 1809, the burden of leading the young nation had visibly aged him.
14. Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson started his term in 1829 looking fierce and resolute. By 1837, his face bore the marks of his contentious and impactful presidency.
15. Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson began his presidency in 1913 with a focused and determined expression. By 1921, after leading through World War I, he appeared much more worn and tired.
16. Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman took office in 1945 looking resolute. By 1953, after making monumental decisions like dropping the atomic bomb and leading through the start of the Cold War, the stress was evident on his face.
These transformations show just how demanding the presidency can be. It’s a job that not only requires immense mental and emotional strength but also takes a significant physical toll.
