[3][4] The New York Times described it as "the most splendiferous since Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to lift the pall of gloom of 1933 with brave words proclaiming the New Deal".

[7][15] In the inaugural address, sometimes called the Four Point speech, Truman discussed economic growth and opposition to Communism across the globe.

[5] The ceremony, and Truman's speech, were also broadcast abroad through the Voice of America, and translated into other languages including Russian and German.

[20][22] Weather conditions for 12 noon at Washington National Airport, located 3.1 miles from the ceremony, were: 39 °F (4 °C), wind 16 mph, and no precipitation.

[23] Despite being widely attacked as communists, thousands of members of the Civil Rights Congress arrived in Washington, D.C., to protest the inauguration.

[24] The group protested Smith Act trials of communist leaders, as well as unfair death penalty sentences for African Americans.