WASHINGTON — On January 20, Donald Trump will take the oath of office for his second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States.
During the ceremony, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the constitutionally mandated 35-word presidential oath of office.
What is the presidential oath of 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.”
Like most of his predecessors, Trump is expected to add the traditional closing words, “so help me God.”
What is the vice presidential oath of office?
Earlier in the ceremony, JD Vance will be sworn in as the nation’s 50th vice president. The vice presidential oath, while not specified in the Constitution, has remained unchanged since 1884. It mirrors the oath taken by members of Congress and federal officials:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
The ceremony marks the peaceful transfer of executive power, a cornerstone of American democracy since George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789.
What time is Trump’s inauguration?
Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon Eastern Time. Due to frigid weather, the events have been moved indoors.