Donald Trump Did Not Place Hand on a Bible as He Took Oath of Office: Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Chip Somodevilla/Getty

John Roberts, chief justice of the US Supreme Court, administers the oath of office to US President-elect Donald Trump in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Donald Trump’s Monday swearing-in marks just the second time in US history that a president lost the office and managed to return to power - a comeback cementing his place within the Republican Party as an enduring, transformational figure rather than a one-term aberration.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

WhenDonald Trumptook the oath of office, there was one thing out of place: his left hand.

During hisswearing-in ceremonyon Monday, Jan. 20, Trump, 78, did not place his hand on a Bible while taking the presidential oath.

First ladyMelania Trumpstood beside him during the oath, holding two Bibles: Trump’s personal Bible, a gift for his Sunday school graduation in the 1950s, and the Lincoln Bible, which President Abraham Lincoln used when he was sworn in in 1861.

As Supreme Court Chief JusticeJohn Robertsadministered the oath, however, Trump raised his right hand but chose not to place his left hand on either Bible. Roberts began the process while Melania was still finalizing her position, which may have disrupted the ceremonious act.

President Donald Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20 without placing his hand on a Bible.Morry Gash - Pool/Getty

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States.

Morry Gash - Pool/Getty

According to Article VI, Clause 3 of the Constitution, members of Congress, state legislatures and executive and judicial officers must take an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution.

However, it also asserts that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States,” meaning that the use of a Bible is a tradition, not a constitutional mandate.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

Getty

U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.

“We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, while at the same time stumbling into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad,” Trump said in his speech. “All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly.”

He added, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier.”

source: people.com

Other Posts

Powered by Hugo