President Roosevelt Takes
Oath of Office
January 20, 1941
Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes administering the oath of office to Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 20, 1941
Each president recites this oath in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
"I do solemnly swear 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."
The phrase “So Help Me God” is not part of the constitutional oath, but was added spontaneously by George Washington after he took his first oath. Most presidents have added this phrase as part of their oath of office.
Library of Congress. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction number: LC-USZ62-46732
