3 sources·Politics

Controversy Erupts Over Trump’s Inauguration Oath and Missing Bible

Donald Trump’s inauguration is marked by controversy as he omits placing his hand on the Bible during the oath, igniting criticism of Chief Justice Roberts.

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Trump's failure to place his hand on the Bible during this inauguration marks not just a break from tradition but also serves as a catalyst for renewed discussions about the meaning of such rituals in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Supreme Court's John Roberts comes under MAGA fire for Trump inauguration
Newsweek·3M
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The heavy criticism directed at Chief Justice Roberts highlights a growing frustration with his perceived blunders during presidential inaugurations, suggesting a need for greater attentiveness to tradition.
Chief Justice Roberts Faces Criticism After Rushing Trump's Oath of Office
Breitbart News·3M
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Right
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Chief Justice John Roberts has a history of awkwardly handling presidential oaths, raising questions about the formality and precision of such significant moments.
Trump’s Oath Not The First Flubbed By Chief Justice John Roberts
Daily Caller·3M
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
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Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

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Updated: Jan 20th, 2025, 7:13 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

During President Donald Trump's recent inauguration, he did not place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office, a break from tradition. Critics have targeted Chief Justice John Roberts for beginning the oath before First Lady Melania Trump arrived with the Bibles. This incident has reignited discussions about presidential traditions and the balance between symbolism and constitutional requirements, as historically, the Bible's use is customary but not legally mandated. This isn't the first time Roberts has faced criticism for an inaugural oath, recalling a previous gaffe with President Obama.

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