Presidential Inaugurations: I Do Solemnly Swear
William Henry Harrison's ceremony in 1841 was witnessed by the largest crowd to date with over 50,000 spectators.
In 1853, Franklin Pierce became the only president to "affirm" rather than "swear" his oath of office, as permitted in the Constitution.
Rutherford B. Hayes took the oath of office in the Red Room during a White House dinner hosted by outgoing President Ulysses S. Grant, March 3, 1877.
Rutherford B. Hayes Library
William J. Clinton, standing between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, taking the oath of office on January 20, 1993.
George W. Bush takes the oath of office, January 20, 2005.
Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to President Barack Obama during the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2013. Next to President Obama is First Lady Michelle Obama, holding a Bible that belonged to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Abraham Lincoln Bible with daughters Malia and Sasha.
Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert
Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution specifies the oath the president takes in assuming the responsibilities of this highest executive office: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
George Washington took the oath with his hand on a Bible, and almost all other presidents have followed suit. Most use a special family Bible, leaving it open to a passage that has particular meaning for them. Traditionally, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court administers the oath, but in cases when vice presidents have assumed the presidency because of a death, others do the honors. When Warren G. Harding's death elevated Calvin Coolidge to the presidency, his father, a justice of the peace, administered the oath.
A president whose term begins on Sunday takes the oath privately on that day, and repeats it in a public ceremony the next day. The solemnity of the swearing-in ceremony reflects the importance the Founders attached to the executive office.
Next Freemasons and the White House
Podcast Freemasons and the White House
Since the laying of the cornerstone in 1792, Freemasons have played an important role in the construction and the history of...
Collection Native Americans and the White House
Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and...
Podcast Conversations from History Happy Hour
In this first episode of 2021, White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin introduces the Association's popular virtual program Hi...
Podcast A Discussion with the Voices of Lafayette Park
Thousands of people traverse historic Lafayette Park every day to get a glimpse of the White House. The park, right...
Podcast St. John's, the Church of the Presidents
Since the James Madison presidency, St. John's Church has been an important part of the life of Lafayette Square an...
Collection Olympic Celebrations
Honoring some of the greatest moments in sports history has become a tradition at the White House. Presidents and their...
Collection Presidential Pastimes
Although the presidency is an often all-consuming job, many presidents have found solace in their various hobbies and pastimes. When...
Collection The Working White House
For more than two centuries, the White House has been the home of American presidents. A powerful symbol of the...
Podcast Back to Basics - White House History with David Rubenstein
In this special episode of The 1600 Sessions, we turn the tables on our podcast's usual format. Financier and philanthropist Da...
Collection By Land, By Sea, By Air
Whether by hoof, air, waterway, road, or rail, the President's access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in...