Trump mocked for not touching the Bible while taking oath as president: 'His hand would burn'

During the inauguration ceremony, Trump raised his right hand while his left hand rested just below a pair of Bibles held by first lady Melania Trump
PUBLISHED JAN 21, 2025
Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, January 20, has taken the spotlight once again, this time for an online mockery.

Fans and critics alike quickly noticed that the 47th President did not place his hand on the Bible during his oath of office. 

While the US Constitution doesn't require the Bible for the oath, the moment sparked debate, with many questioning why Trump chose not to use it when Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath.



 

Donald Trump takes oath of office as president

During the 60th inauguration ceremony, Donald Trump raised his right hand while his left hand rested just below a pair of Bibles held by first lady Melania Trump.

The 47th President of the United States took the oath of office shortly after noon in Washington, DC, as per NBC Miami.

As Chief Justice John Roberts instructed Trump to raise his right hand, Trump solemnly swore, “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.”

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Donald Trump takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

This moment mirrored his 2017 inauguration, where he was sworn in using the Lincoln Bible and another Bible that belonged to his mother.

Since the inauguration, Trump has faced questions regarding why he didn’t place his hand on the Bible during the oath. Some have even asked if it was necessary for him to do so.

However, it has not been reported why Trump didn't place his hand on the Bibles. According to Article VI, Clause 3 of the US Constitution, no religious text is required for taking an oath of office

It stated, "No religious Text shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or Public Trust under the United States."

Trump's actions aren’t unprecedented, as previous presidents have deviated from the tradition. George Washington was the first to use a Bible, while Teddy Roosevelt and John Adams ignored the custom altogether.

Donald Trump is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on a Bible held by Melania Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)
Donald Trump is sworn in as president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on a Bible held by Melania Trump in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States (Saul Loeb - Pool/Getty Images)

Donald Trump ridiculed after Internet noticed his hand was not on the Bible

As videos surfaced showing Donald Trump not placing his hand on the Bibles held by first lady Melania Trump during the oath of office, many people pointed it out and questioned the president's decision.

One user questioned, “Why isn’t he holding the Bible?”



 

Another worried, “Didn’t put his hand on the Holy Book. Sad”



 

One social media user mocked, “Because he has no intention to keep his word on anything of substance.Never did.”



 

Another added, “Well he just showed us he's not going to keep his oath by not putting his hand on the Bible.”



 

While one commenter claimed, “He was afraid his hand would burn if he put it on the Bible and lied.”



 

Someone else stated, “But he didn’t put his hand on the Bible. Kinda important don’t ya think Mr Christian man 🤔”



 

A person on X said, “Yes, every single person noticed that his left hand was not on the Bible when he took the oath.”



 

One slammed, “Did you notice that he did not put his hand on the Bible. He does not have the moral or spiritual ability to keep a promise or an oath of any kind. Pray for discernment”



 

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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