Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremonies have always been a topic of interest and debate. During his first inauguration in 2017, Trump placed his hand on two Bibles—one given to him by his mother and the Lincoln Bible, which was used at Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 inauguration
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. However, during his second inauguration in 2025, Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office
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.
The U.S. Constitution does not require the president to place their hand on a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony. Article VI, Clause 3, states that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States”
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. This means that while it is a common tradition for incoming presidents to place their hand on a Bible, it is not a legal requirement.
During the 2025 inauguration, First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles by Trump’s side, but he did not place his hand on either book
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. Instead, he raised his right hand and took the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts
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. This deviation from tradition sparked curiosity and questions among onlookers and social media users.
Historically, not all presidents have used a Bible during their swearing-in ceremonies. For example, John Quincy Adams took his oath on a law book, and Theodore Roosevelt did not use any book at all when he was sworn in after President William McKinley’s assassination
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. Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office aboard Air Force One after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, using a Roman Catholic missal or prayer book belonging to Kennedy
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.
The tradition of using a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony dates back to George Washington, who took the oath on a Masonic Bible loaned to him by a local lodge
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. This Bible was later used in the inaugurations of Presidents Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush
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. However, the Constitution’s lack of a religious requirement for the oath allows for flexibility in how the ceremony is conducted.
Trump’s decision not to place his hand on the Bible during his second inauguration does not invalidate his presidency. The Constitution only requires the president to take the oath of office and recite the specific words, which Trump did
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. The rest of the ceremony’s details, including the use of a Bible, are left to the discretion of those participating.
In conclusion, while the tradition of placing a hand on a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony is deeply rooted in American history, it is not a constitutional requirement. Trump’s decision to deviate from this tradition during his second inauguration highlights the flexibility allowed in the ceremony and serves as a reminder that the core of the oath lies in the commitment to uphold the Constitution.
For more information, you can watch this YouTube video that delves into the history and significance of presidential inaugurations.
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1
CBS News | MSN
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NBC New York
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PinkNews | MSN
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abcnews.go.com
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www.poynter.org
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www.wral.com
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