William Howard Taft (1857–1930) served as the 27th President of the United States from 1909 to 1913. A Republican jurist and administrator, he later became Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the only person to hold both offices.
As president, Taft pursued a conservative, law‑based approach to reform: he vigorously enforced antitrust laws, supported federal conservation and the Bureau of Mines, and signed the controversial Payne‑Aldrich Tariff, which deepened splits with progressive Republicans.
After leaving the White House, Taft returned to public service as Chief Justice of the United States (1921–1930). His nine years on the Court cemented his reputation as a dedicated jurist and made him unique in American history for holding the nation’s two highest offices.
Enforced antitrust laws with numerous trust prosecutions, including actions against Standard Oil and U.S. Steel; Signed the Payne‑Aldrich Tariff, provoking a split with progressives; Established the U.S. Children's Bureau (1912); Created the Bureau of Mines and promoted federal conservation administration; Later served as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the only person to serve as both President and Chief Justice
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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President Taft signed the Payne–Aldrich Tariff Act, which revised U.S. tariff rates after congressional deliberation earlier that year.
On July 12, 1909, Congress approved and transmitted to the states the proposed Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, authorizing Congress to levy an income tax.
On June 1, 1909, President William Howard Taft traveled to Seattle to dedicate the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition and delivered the official opening address.
On March 5, 1909 President William Howard Taft submitted his nominations to the U.S. Senate for key Cabinet posts, including Philander C. Knox for Secretary of State and George W. Wickersham for Attorney General.
William Howard Taft was sworn in as the 27th President of the United States and delivered his inaugural address on the U.S. Capitol's East Front.