Secretary of State (United States) in the context of "U.S. Department of State"

Traditionally, an oath (from Anglo-Saxon āþ, also a plight) is a statement of fact or a promise taken by a sacrality as a sign of verity. A common legal substitute for those who object to making sacred oaths is to give an affirmation instead. Nowadays, even when there is no notion of sanctity involved, certain promises said out loud in ceremonial or juridical purpose are referred to as oaths. "To swear" is a verb used to describe the taking of an oath; to make a solemn vow.

Elections were held in the United States on November 8, 2016. Republican businessman and media celebrity Donald Trump defeated Democratic former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, and the Republicans retained their majorities in both chambers of Congress. This marked the first time since 2004 that the Republicans controlled both Congress and the presidency in the same election, something that would not occur again until 2024.

Democrats won a net gain of two seats in the Senate and six seats in the House of Representatives, but Republicans retained control of both chambers. In the gubernatorial elections, Republicans won a net gain of two seats. Various other state, territorial, and local races and referendums were held throughout the year. This was the first presidential election since 2000, where the winning candidate failed to have coattails in either house of Congress. This is the most recent election where one party simultaneously gained seats in both houses of Congress.