This has caused quite a stir.
During his inauguration, President Donald Trump made a departure from a long-standing tradition by not placing his hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office. This decision sparked a wave of debate, with some conservatives criticizing Chief Justice John Roberts for not allowing Trump enough time to properly position himself before swearing in. While using a Bible for the presidential oath has been a custom since George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789, the U.S. Constitution doesn’t mandate it.
Although Trump had followed this tradition during his first swearing-in ceremony in 2017, he chose a different approach in 2021. Instead of holding the Bible, he simply raised his right hand to take the oath. The first lady, Melania Trump, was seen holding two Bibles—one a historic Lincoln Bible, used by Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, and the other a family Bible given to him by his mother. However, as the oath began, Trump’s left hand was visibly at his side, and he did not place it on either Bible.
Some conservative voices, including Christian podcast host Coleton Furlow, quickly blamed Chief Justice Roberts for rushing the ceremony, arguing that the delay in Melania’s arrival with the Bibles prevented Trump from placing his hand on the book. Radio host Terry Meiners also pointed out that the lack of a pause gave Trump no chance to properly align himself before the oath was recited.
While some felt this break from tradition was disrespectful, it’s important to note that there is no constitutional requirement for the president to place his hand on a Bible. The only requirement, as outlined in Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 of the Constitution, is that the president must take the oath of office.
Throughout history, presidential inaugurations have varied in their adherence to tradition. Former presidents, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, used a family Bible for all four of his inaugurations, while others, like Lyndon B. Johnson, used unconventional items like a Catholic missal. Some presidents, like John Quincy Adams, even took the oath with a law book, emphasizing their commitment to the Constitution above all.
Ultimately, the debate over Trump’s choice at his second inauguration has sparked wider discussions on the evolving nature of American traditions. While some view this as a break from respect for tradition, others see it as an opportunity for future presidents to reflect their own values and set their own precedents. The lasting legacy of Trump’s inaugural choices will be shaped not by the Bible, but by the policies and leadership that followed.
WATCH:
For those wondering why Trump's hand wasn't on the Bible. Justice Roberts started the oath before Melania could get there. pic.twitter.com/S6753hpVI2
— JereMemez (@Jere_Memez) January 20, 2025