The first time a woman swore in a U.S. President

History · Published 18 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1963, a tragic assassination forced an unprecedented constitutional pivot. Aboard a plane without air conditioning, Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office in a scene defined by secrecy and haste. This moment broke historical precedent, establishing a new standard for presidential succession.

On November 22, 1963, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president. The ceremony took place aboard Air Force One (VC-137C SAM 26000) at Dallas Love Field. This marked the eighth non-scheduled inauguration in U.S. history and initiated a partial term of 425 days.

The proceedings were fraught with logistical hurdles. Twenty-seven people crowded into a 12-by-15-foot stateroom while the aircraft's engines powered up. Because the plane was disconnected from external power to ensure a prompt takeoff, there was no air conditioning. Furthermore, Johnson had to be sworn in before the plane could depart, as Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy advised that the oath must occur before leaving Dallas.

The ceremony broke several traditions. It was the first time a woman administered the presidential oath of office—Federal District Judge Sarah T. Hughes—and the only time it occurred on an aircraft. Additionally, because the usual Bible was unavailable, Johnson was sworn in using a missal found in Kennedy's bedroom, which was mistaken for a Bible. The event concluded at 2:38 p.m. CST, just nine minutes before departure.

The visual record of this moment was carefully curated. To hide marks of blood upon her pink Chanel outfit, Cecil Stoughton advised that Johnson stand between his spouse and Jacqueline Kennedy while they turned partially from the lens.

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