Trump, Vance take oath at inauguration ceremony


Trump, Vance sworn in at inauguration ceremony at US Capitol

04:24

President Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office Inauguration On Monday.

While first lady Melania Trump stood with two Bibles next to her – one given to Mr Trump by his mother when he was a child, and the Lincoln Bible, which was used at Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration – the images show That Mr Trump did not have his hand on him when he was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. His right hand was raised up while his left hand hung down at his side.

Donald Trump takes oath
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, as Melania Trump holds a Bible.

Maury Gash/AFP via Getty Images


There is no legal requirement for the President to place his hand on the Bible when taking the oath of office. Article VI The U.S. Constitution states that “All executive and judicial officers of the United States, and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall be required as to any qualification ” Office or public trust under the United States.”

Mr Trump mentioned God during his first remarks as the 47th president.

“God saved me to make America great again,” he said, referencing the assassination attempt on his life.

Vice President J.D. Vance places his hand on a Bible as he takes the oath of office on Monday. According to Trump's inaugural committee, he used a family Bible that had belonged to his great-grandmother. Vance was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. When Vance took the oath of office, his wife Usha Vance was holding a Bible.

At his first inauguration in 2017, Mr Trump placed his hand on two Bibles – the family Bible and the Lincoln Bible – while taking the oath of office. According to the Trump Inaugural Committee, Mr. Trump received the family Bible in 1955 at his Sunday Church Primary School graduation at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens.

File:President Donald Trump to attend Biden's inauguration
President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as First Lady Melania Trump looks on during the 58th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images


It was not immediately clear why Mr Trump took the oath of office on Monday without placing his hand on the Bible. The President also has his own special “God Bless the United States of America” ​​Bible – Sold for $59.99 each.

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