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 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 News·3M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.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 Herald·3M
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.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 Hill·3M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.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 News·3M
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.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
AlterNet·3M
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.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 Post·3M
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.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
Salon·3M
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.
Summary
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
No center-leaning sources available for this story.