Ahead of the inauguration, official portraits of Trump and Vance have been released. During his first presidential oath in 2009, Roberts deviated slightly from the text, leading to a re-administration the following day in a private White House ceremony. The inauguration ceremonies on Jan. 20 at the Capitol ran long, causing the presidential oath to be completed five minutes past noon. Despite this, Obama officially assumed the presidency at noon under the 20th Amendment. A legal challenge arose from California atheist Michael Newdow and non-religious groups regarding the “so help me God” phrase, but the high court rejected the lawsuit.
In 2013, Justice Sonia Sotomayor swore in Biden for his second term as vice president. Pence used the family Bible of Ronald Reagan for his swearing-in and expressed gratitude for the president-elect’s confidence. Trump did not attend his successor’s swear-in four years ago, breaking tradition. The role of holding the Bible during swear-ins has shifted to spouses, with Melania Trump and Usha Vance expected to continue this tradition.
During Lyndon Johnson’s 1965 swear-in, his wife Lady Bird held the Bible, marking a departure from tradition of the high court’s clerk. Justices at inaugurations are easily identifiable in their black robes and unique headgear. The inauguration ceremony this year is indoors due to expected cold weather, making the large black skullcaps worn by some justices an afterthought.
The justices have been wearing skullcaps at formal ceremonies since the 16th century in British courts and for at least a century in the United States. Only judges wear these caps, and only on ceremonial occasions, not in court proceedings.
Title: The Supreme Court’s Unique Tradition of Skullcaps at Presidential Inaugurations
Throughout history, the Supreme Court has had a unique tradition of wearing skullcaps at presidential inaugurations, symbolizing a blend of tradition, history, and personal style among the justices.
The practice dates back to 1913 when Justice Edward White proudly donned a skullcap during Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration. However, it was in 1961 that the “age of the skullcap” reached its peak when seven out of nine justices wore them at President John F. Kennedy’s bitterly cold inauguration, emphasizing both camaraderie and resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions.
In more recent times, the tradition has seen fluctuations in participation. During the last inauguration, only Justice Stephen Breyer showed the courage to wear a skullcap, with Justices Clarence Thomas, Anthony Kennedy, and the late Antonin Scalia having previously embraced the practice. Interestingly, none of the six current or former women justices have been observed wearing skullcaps, highlighting the evolving nature of this sartorial tradition.
The late Justice Scalia, known for his wit and fondness for tradition, once humorously acknowledged the peculiar appearance of the skullcap while emphasizing its symbolic significance. His choice of headgear, a replica of the skullcap worn by St. Thomas More, was a gift from the St. Thomas More Society of Richmond, Virginia, underscoring the deep historical connections embedded within the Supreme Court’s traditions.
Another prominent figure in the Supreme Court’s history, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, was also known for his affinity for skullcaps. A respected historian of court procedure and tradition, Rehnquist’s stalwart commitment to upholding the court’s customs was evident in his choice to wear a skullcap on various momentous occasions.
One such unforgettable moment occurred during President George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2005. Despite battling thyroid cancer and undergoing chemotherapy in the preceding months, Rehnquist defied expectations by making a dramatic appearance at the inauguration. Walking slowly to the podium with the aid of a cane and wearing a dark baseball cap, a visibly ailing Rehnquist fulfilled his duties with unwavering determination, symbolizing resilience and dedication in the face of adversity.
Rehnquist’s pivotal role in the judicial landscape was further underscored by his involvement in significant legal decisions, including the private vote taken by the justices in Clinton v. Jones. This decision ultimately led to President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999, a historic event presided over by Rehnquist himself, albeit without his signature skullcap, showcasing the multifaceted responsibilities and influences wielded by the Supreme Court justices.
In essence, the Supreme Court’s tradition of wearing skullcaps at presidential inaugurations serves as a poignant reminder of the institution’s rich history, the justices’ individual personalities, and the enduring commitment to upholding tradition amidst the ever-changing political landscape.
As the nation prepares for future inaugurations, the presence or
