7 sources·Politics

Trump Takes Oath Without Bible Touch

During his inauguration, President Trump did not place his hand on the Bible, raising questions about tradition and legality.

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
Balanced
The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
  1. Trump did not put his hand on the Bible at inauguration. Here's what to know about the tradition.

    The absence of a Bible during Donald Trump's swearing-in raises questions about tradition and the significance of religion in presidential ceremonies, despite no legal requirement necessitating its use.

    Trump did not put his hand on the Bible at inauguration. Here's what to know about the tradition.

    CBS NewsCBS News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  2. Trump didn’t swear on a Bible. Does it matter?

    While the absence of a Bible during Trump's swearing-in may raise eyebrows among traditionalists, it underscores that the ritual is not constitutionally mandated and has varied throughout history.

    Trump didn’t swear on a Bible. Does it matter?

    Boston HeraldBoston Herald·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  3. Trump’s hand wasn’t on the Bible during the oath of office: What does this mean?

    While Trump's decision not to place his hand on a Bible during the oath may raise eyebrows, it ultimately has no impact on the constitutional validity of his inauguration.

    Trump’s hand wasn’t on the Bible during the oath of office: What does this mean?

    The HillThe Hill·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  4. Trump doesn't place hand on Bible during swearing-in

    Trump's inauguration marks a departure from tradition, as he opted not to place his hand on the Bible, a choice echoing his unconventional approach to the presidency.

    Trump doesn't place hand on Bible during swearing-in

    ABC NewsABC News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. Skipping hand on Bible, Trump declares 'we will not forget our God' at inauguration

    Trump's unusual choice to not place his hand on the Bible during his swearing-in ceremony raises eyebrows, marking a departure from a long-standing tradition that underscores the solemnity of the moment.

    Skipping hand on Bible, Trump declares 'we will not forget our God' at inauguration

    AlterNetAlterNet·3M
    Mixed Reliable
    This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  6. Trump didn't place hand on Bible during second oath of office

    Trump's failure to place his hand on the Bibles during his oath of office reflects a moment that, whether intentional or not, captures the disarray surrounding his inauguration and the occasionally chaotic nature of his presidency.

    Trump didn't place hand on Bible during second oath of office

    Christian PostChristian Post·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  7. Trump fails to place hand on Bible when being sworn into office

    Donald Trump’s decision to omit the customary practice of swearing on a Bible during his second inauguration raises questions about his relationship with traditional religious symbolism.

    Trump fails to place hand on Bible when being sworn into office

    SalonSalon·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  1. CBS News
  2. Boston Herald
  3. The Hill
  4. ABC News
  5. AlterNet
  6. Christian Post
  7. Salon

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

Summary

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

At his inauguration, Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath, raising questions regarding the customary practice. The Constitution does not require a Bible during the ceremony, allowing flexibility in how the oath is administered. Many observers noted the lack of a Bible touch, despite two Bibles held by First Lady Melania Trump. Historically, several presidents have taken their oaths without a Bible, including Calvin Coolidge and Lyndon B. Johnson. Trump's omission reignited discussions about the significance of religious elements in presidential ceremonies.


Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

No center-leaning sources available for this story.

Trump Takes Oath Without Bible Touch - Pano News