The first inauguration of George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States of America took place on January 20, 2001. The inauguration marked the commencement of the first four-year term of George W. Bush as President and Dick Cheney as Vice President. Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the oath of office at 12:01 p.m.An estimated 300,000 people attended the swearing-in ceremony