Traditionally, American presidents place their hand on a Bible during their oath-taking ceremony. However, during his inauguration on Monday, President Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bible as he took the oath of office, a departure from his first inauguration in 2017. This decision has raised questions about why President Trump opted not to follow this custom.
It is important to note that there is no legal requirement for presidents to place their hand on a Bible while taking the oath.
Article VI, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution stipulates that members of Congress, state legislatures, and executive and judicial officers are bound “by oath or affirmation” to support the Constitution, but explicitly states, “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
During Monday’s ceremony, First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles — one gifted to Mr. Trump by his mother during his childhood and the Lincoln Bible, famously used at Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 inauguration. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, directing Mr. Trump to raise his right hand and repeat the oath, while his left arm remained by his side.
Vice President Vance, who took the oath of office shortly before the President, did place his right hand on a Bible held by his wife, Usha Vance.
It is worth mentioning that Trump is not the first president to take the oath of office without placing his hand on a Bible. At least four presidents took the oath sans the Bible.
