Pakistan Christian News

Trump’s Oath on Two Bibles: A Symbol of History and Personal Faith


On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office. The ceremony took place indoors at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to unusually cold weather in Washington, D.C.

This event coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, making it the third time a president has been sworn in on this federal holiday.

Oath of Office: A Departure from Tradition

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Trump made a notable departure from tradition. While First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles—the historic Lincoln Bible and a personal Bible gifted to Trump by his mother in 1955—Trump raised his right hand to take the oath but did not place his left hand on either Bible. This deviation sparked curiosity and discussions online. However, legal scholars clarified that the U.S. Constitution does not mandate the use of a Bible for the oath, and the absence of such a gesture has no bearing on the legitimacy of the presidency.

The Significance of the Two Bibles

The Lincoln Bible, an artifact owned by William Thomas Carroll, clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court, was first used by President Abraham Lincoln during his 1861 inauguration. This Oxford University Press edition of the King James Bible, published in 1853, has since been used in the inaugurations of Presidents Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013, and Donald Trump in 2017 and 2025.

The second Bible holds personal significance for President Trump. Gifted to him by his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, in 1955 upon his graduation from Sunday Church Primary School at the First Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York, this Bible symbolizes his family's religious heritage. Trump's decision to include both Bibles underscores a blend of national history and personal faith.

Inaugural Address: Themes and Commitments

In his inaugural address, President Trump spoke for over 30 minutes, outlining his vision for America's future. He emphasized a return to a "golden age of America," focusing on national security, economic revitalization, and unity. Trump also criticized the previous administration's policies, pledging to reverse decisions he deemed detrimental to the nation's interests. He committed to rebuilding the military and reinstating service members dismissed over COVID-19 vaccination refusals.

Notable Attendees and Moments

The inauguration was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including tech industry leaders Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Foreign leaders such as Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were also present, highlighting the global interest in the event.

The ceremony featured moments that garnered significant attention. Elon Musk faced backlash for an apparent Nazi salute during his speech, which he later defended. Additionally, Lauren Sanchez's attire drew criticism for being "inappropriate" for the occasion. These incidents sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms.

Historical Context and Precedents

The use of a Bible during the presidential oath is a tradition dating back to George Washington's inauguration in 1789. However, not all presidents have adhered to this practice. John Quincy Adams took the oath on a book of law, intending to swear on the Constitution. Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible in 1901, and Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in on a Roman Catholic missal in 1963, believing it to be a Bible. Therefore, while traditional, the use of a Bible is not a constitutional requirement.

Looking Forward: The Trump Administration's Agenda

As President Trump begins his second term, his administration has signaled intentions to implement significant policy changes. Plans include issuing over 100 executive orders on the first day, targeting areas such as immigration, trade, and climate policies. The administration also faces potential legal challenges as it seeks to reverse decisions made by the previous government.

In summary, President Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States was marked by a blend of historical reverence and personal significance. His choice to use two Bibles, coupled with the decision not to place his hand on them during the oath, reflects the evolving nature of inaugural traditions. As the nation moves forward, the administration's actions in the coming days will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.