Presidential Inauguration 2017

Meet the new President and his team. Learn about the 2017 Presidential Inauguration and the history of Presidential Inaugurations.

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2017 Presidential Inauguration

"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."

With those words, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office on January 20, 2017, to formally become the 45th President of the United States. See the Inauguration Day program, and the nine events that commonly take place on Inauguration Day.

Find updates on the inaugural balls and national prayer service. Learn about the swearing-in ceremonies,​ as well as the military's involvement in the inauguration events.

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Presidential Inaugural History

Historic inauguration with spectators with umbrellas, and the words

The peaceful transfer of power that has occurred on every U.S. Inauguration Day is a hallmark of our country's democracy. 

Did you know that the first President of the United States, George Washington, delivered the shortest inaugural address at 135 words? Or that William McKinley's 1901 inauguration was the first one to be filmed?

For more inauguration facts:

  • Learn where and when each U.S. President took the oath of office.
  • Find out who swore in each President, what the President said in his inaugural addresses, and even what the weather was like that day.
  • Read the first inaugural address of 1789, and see historic documents related to early Presidential inaugurations.
  • View Presidents' drafts of their inaugural addresses, as well as memorabilia such as tickets, programs, photographs, and sheet music.

Interested in Vice Presidential inauguration history? Read about historic dates and details, including where Vice Presidents were sworn in and by whom.

See portraits of the First Ladies throughout history.

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