Presidential Inauguration 2021

The 59th Presidential Inaugural will take place at noon on 20 January 2021 on the steps on the West Front of the United States Capitol.  Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to President-Elect Joseph R. Biden. Biden will be the 46th President of the United States.

The themes for this Inaugural are: "Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union" and "America United"

Biden will recite the following oath as prescribed by Article II, Section1, Clause 8 of the Constitution: "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."

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies

Architect of the Capitol

Presidential Inaugural Dates

Library of Congress Resource Guide

Library of Congress Web Guide to Inaugurations

White House Historical Association

National Park Service

C-SPAN American Presidents Life Portraits

-The only constitutional requirement for the inauguration is the administration of the oath of office

-The first inaugural was held on 30 April 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City.

-The second and third inaugurals were held at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

-President Thomas Jefferson was the first to be sworn in in Washington, DC (4 March 1801).

-From 1793-1933 Presidents were sworn in on 4 March.

-Since 1937 Presidents have been sworn in on 20 January.

-If 20 January falls on a Sunday, there is a private swearing in on that day and a public ceremony on Monday the 21st.

-Since 1981 Presidents have been sworn in on the West Front of the Capitol

-Prior to 1981 most Presidents were sworn in on the steps of the East Portico of the Capitol