Reagan Takes Office

Cover of The New York Times on January 21, 1981

The front page of the January 21, 1981 issue of the New York Times shows Reagan being inducted just above a picture of freed U.S. hostages; off to the side, a freed hostage embraces her husband in celebration. These images seem linked, and the title reinforces that connection -  “Reagan takes oath … Minutes later, 52 U.S. hostages .. fly to freedom” - this implies a causal relationship between Reagan’s presidency and the release of the hostages, as if Reagan himself freed them, ushering in his “era of national renewal” within minutes. This good omen set the tone for Reagan’s presidency.