The Supreme Court Justices Will Administer the Presidential Oath of Office
Top officials from the three branches of government will come together to witness President-elect Trump being sworn in at Monday’s inauguration. The chief justice and his colleagues will reprise their ceremonial roles, starting a nearly 240-year tradition.
Chief Justice John Roberts, accompanied by fellow Justice Brett Kavanaugh, will be tasked with delivering the presidential and vice-presidential oaths. This will mark the fifth swearing-in for Chief Justice Roberts. Kavanaugh’s connection to the Biden administration comes via incoming second lady Usha Vance, who worked under him on the U.S. Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
Unlike the presidential oath, which falls under Article II of the Constitution, the Supreme Court justices may not be directly responsible for vice-presidential duties. However, in recent inaugurations, some officials have undertaken this role.
As the festivities begin, you can expect many familiar faces at the Capitol, including the newly appointed cabinet and dignitaries. The day will also likely include some heartwarming, albeit brief, moments as Donald Trump takes office, with First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance set to carry the family and inaugural Bibles.
In honor of the presidential oath, each judge wears his signature black robing, covered with a dark wool or nylon “skullcap” resembling a Jewish yarmulke. This quirky headgear can add a personal touch to formal ceremonies, serving as a long-standing tradition from the 16th century onward.
As previously reported, only judges wear such hats, especially at formal inaugural events. Over the years, a few justice has opted against this tradition; none of the female justices on the court ever donned such a hat, but a certain judge, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, shared a story how a young Supreme Court clerk explained it to an awestruck new judge to the court while wearing.