In a departure from established custom, former President Donald Trump opted not to place his hand on a Bible during his second swearing-in ceremony on Monday. Chief Justice John Roberts presided over the oath, instructing Trump to raise his right hand and repeat the oath.
As the oath began, First Lady Melania Trump presented a stack of Bibles, but the former president kept his left hand at his side, forgoing the traditional placement of a hand on the holy book. His family joined him on the platform as the ceremony continued.
The two Bibles held by Mrs. Trump were the Lincoln Bible and the former president's personal Bible, a gift from his mother during his childhood. He had used both Bibles during his first inauguration in 2017. The reason for the omission during the second inauguration was not immediately clarified by Trump's representatives.
In contrast, Vice President JD Vance adhered to tradition, placing his hand on a Bible during his own swearing-in. The former president's actions sparked online discussion, with some suggesting Chief Justice Roberts rushed the oath, while others expressed surprise at the deviation from the custom initiated by George Washington.
While placing a hand on a Bible is customary, it is not a constitutional requirement. Article VI of the Constitution speaks of an "Oath or Affirmation" and explicitly prohibits religious tests for public office. Article II mandates the oath before assuming office but makes no mention of religious elements.
The Constitution specifies the 34-word oath, with some judges adding "so help me God," although this is not mandatory. The historical use of this phrase is debated, with no clear evidence of Washington using it. Lincoln is believed to have added it spontaneously, and the practice of using a Bible became associated with the oath over time.
Similarly, the Constitution does not require a Supreme Court justice to administer the oath, though it has become common practice for inaugurations. George Washington's first oath was administered by New York's highest-ranking judge due to the Supreme Court not yet being established. The tradition of Supreme Court involvement began with his second term, overseen by Associate Justice William Cushing.
