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.