Who took the first oath of office as U.S. president, a founding figure highlighted by America250?

George Washington took the first oath of office as U.S. president.

Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. Robert Livingston, chancellor of New York, administered the oath on the building’s balcony before a large public crowd.

Washington’s election followed the ratification of the Constitution and the first presidential election under its new system. He remains the only president to have received every electoral vote in both of the first two presidential elections.

John Adams became the first vice president and later succeeded Washington as president. Thomas Jefferson served as Washington’s secretary of state, while James Madison played a major role in drafting and supporting the Constitution. These distinctions often cause confusion in questions about the early presidency.