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Trump’s Non-Traditional Oath of Office at Second Inauguration
In a departure from established tradition, President Donald Trump took the oath of office without placing his hand on a Bible during his second inauguration on January 20, 2025. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath as an array of family members including First Lady Melania Trump looked on from behind.
As Trump approached the Chief Justice, he raised his right hand to repeat the oath, while Melania held two Bibles: one was the historic Lincoln Bible, and the other was a personal Bible that had been gifted to Trump by his mother during his childhood. In a surprising twist, Trump kept his hand by his side throughout the ceremony, foregoing the traditional gesture of resting on the Bibles.
Presidential Actions on Day One
The inauguration took place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol amidst a backdrop of political anticipation. On the first day of his presidency, Trump signaled a robust agenda, indicating plans for over 200 executive actions, which included a military deployment to the southern border aimed at reversing policies put into place by the prior administration.
Notably, Vice President JD Vance adhered to the customary practice, placing his hand on the Bible while taking his oath. The differences between the two oaths were noted by onlookers both in the room and on social media, with some suggesting that Roberts may have hurried through the ceremony. Reactions online ranged from disbelief to critical reflections on a deviation from the historic practice that dates back to George Washington’s presidency.
Constitutional Considerations
While the act of placing a hand on a Bible during the swearing-in is customary, it is not mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Article VI stipulates that presidents “shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation,” and emphasizes, “…no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” Similarly, Article II states that the president must take an oath, without specifying the inclusion of a Bible.
Traditionally, oaths have included the phrase “so help me God,” though this is also not a constitutional requirement. Historical debates persist about whether George Washington introduced this phrase during his first oath, as accounts from the time do not provide definitive evidence of such an ad-libbed addition. Other presidents over the years, such as Abraham Lincoln, have been noted for utilizing this phrase as well.
Historical Context of Oaths
The constitution details the 34-word oath of office: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Customarily, a Bible is involved, and the practice has evolved through various inaugurations.
It’s important to note that the Constitution does not require that the oath be administered by a Supreme Court justice, although this practice has become the norm for recent inaugurations. When Washington first took office in 1789, a state judge officiated since the Supreme Court did not yet exist. This changed in 1793 when Associate Justice William Cushing administered Washington’s second oath, cementing the practice into American tradition.
The implications of Trump’s unorthodox choice during a significant national ceremony reflect broader themes in American political culture and the ongoing evolution of traditions surrounding political inaugurations.
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