The President’s oath of office is detailed in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. 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.”

When George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on 30 April 1789 in New York City, he probably added the phrase, “So help me God” at the end of the oath of office. It has been added by most presidents in the past century.

The U.S. Constitution says that Congress is the one to draft the oath for other federal officials according to Article VII. The Vice President takes the same oath of office as all other federal officials, including Members, Senators and House and Senate staff. This oath is prescribed by statute (5 U.S.C. 3331; I, 128)

“I, ________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”