Understanding the Oath of Office: How Many Times Has Each US President Taken It?

In the United States, the presidential oath of office is one of the most sacred and solemn duties that every incoming president must undertake. This oath is typically taken once at the beginning of each term of office. However, certain unique circumstances can lead to additional oaths being taken. Let's explore the details and examples of this fascinating process.

Typical Oath-Taking Process

For the vast majority of US presidents, the oath of office is taken just once at the beginning of their term. This is enshrined in the United States Constitution, which states that 'the President shall take the following oath or affirmation: “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.”'

Extra Oath-Takings Due to Unusual Circumstances

While most presidents adhere to this rule, there have been instances where an additional oath-taking has been necessary. These extra oaths often occur under extraordinary circumstances, such as when inauguration day falls on a Sunday.

Extra Oath-Taking on Sunday

In some cases, when January 20th (the traditional date for the inauguration) falls on a Sunday, the new president will take the oath of office privately on that same day. The formal inauguration and public ceremony, which includes the speech, usually take place the following Monday. This system was designed to ensure a seamless transition and to prevent the presidency from being vacant for even a day.

Overlooked or Incorrect Oath Delivery

A minor issue in the oath-taking process can lead to a re-administration. For instance, Chief Justice John Roberts administered an incorrect oath to George W. Bush during his first inauguration. To ensure the integrity of the oath, Bush took the correct oath again in a private ceremony.

Calvin Coolidge's Unique Experience

Calvin Coolidge is perhaps the most notable president for taking the oath of office more than once. He took it three times in his career. The first instance occurred when Warren G. Harding died in office, making Coolidge president. Coolidge's father, who was also a Justice of the Peace, administered the oath to him in his home in Plymouth, Vermont. Upon his return to Washington, the oath was formally taken again. Coolidge then repeated the oath in 1924 after he won his own election.

Presidential Oath Re-takes in Special Cases

Despite being a relatively rare occurrence, there have been instances where a president has taken the oath more than once during their term. For example, Obama took the oath a second time due to a verbal flub during his first inauguration. Officials felt it was important to ensure the legitimacy of the oath, leading to the re-take.

Examples and Notes

The following examples illustrate the typical and additional oath-taking processes:

FDR took the oath 4 times, having won 4 presidential elections. Truman took it 2 times, first upon the death of FDR and then after winning his own term. Lyndon Johnson was sworn in while traveling to Washington D.C. following JFK's assassination, and again later after the election. Gerald Ford took the oath only once following Nixon's resignation. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, like other presidents, took the oath only once, reflecting their full-term presidencies.

It is important to note that the oath of office is not a yearly affair. Once a president is inaugurated, they do not need to renew their oath. Instead, the oath is binding and continuous for the duration of their term, ensuring that they commit to uphold the Constitution faithfully.

In conclusion, while the oath of office is typically taken once at the beginning of each term, there have been unique cases where presidents have taken the oath more than once due to extraordinary circumstances. These historical occurrences highlight the constitutional importance and solemnity of this initial commitment.