President Trump sworn in without hand on bible, breaking tradition

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On January 20, 2025, during his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump deviated from tradition by not placing his hand on a Bible whilst taking the oath of office. First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles—the Lincoln Bible and a family Bible—but President Trump kept his left hand at his side and raised his right hand to recite the oath.

Whilst using a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony is customary, it is not a constitutional requirement. The United States Constitution mandates the presidential oath but does not specify the use of any religious text. Historically, most presidents have chosen to swear in on a Bible, though some have opted for other texts or none at all.

The Lincoln Bible, one of the two Bibles present at the ceremony, was previously used by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and by President Trump during his first inauguration in 2017. President Trump’s decision to forgo placing his hand on the Bible during the oath marks a notable departure from inaugural norms, sparking discussions about the role of tradition in presidential ceremonies.