"I (state your name) 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, so help me God."
Chief justice: Mr./Mrs. President, are you ready to take the presidential oath of office?
President: I am
Chief Justice: Repeat after me, I (president’s name) do solemnly swear
President: I (name) do solemnly swear
Chief Justice: that I will faithfully execute the President of the
United StatesPresident: that I will faithfully execute the President of the
United StatesChief Justice: and will to the best of my ability
President: and will to the best of my ability
Chief Justice: preserve, protect, and defend
President: preserve, protect, and defend
Chief Justice: The Constitution of the United States
President: The Constitution of the United States
Chief Justice: So help me God
President: So help me God
Chief Justice and President of the United States: (
shake hands)
Chief Justice: says “Congratulations Mr./Mrs. President.” while shaking hands with the
POTUSPresident: Gives inaugural address