"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."
Franklin Pierce was the first president to choose the word “affirm” instead of “swear.” Additional oath of office trivia:
- 1797 - John Adams was the first to receive the oath of office from the Chief Justice.
- 1817 - James Monroe was the first to take the oath-of-office out of doors in Washington, D.C.
- 1853 – Franklin Pierce was the first to use the word “affirm” rather than “swear” when taking the oath.
- 1901 – Theodore Roosevelt was the only president not to use a bible while taking the oath of office.
- 1923 – Calvin Coolidge's father administered the oath of office to his son.
- 1963 – Lyndon Johnson became the first president whose oath was administered in an airplane and by a woman.
