Donald Trump broke from a major historic tradition when he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
The former reality television star, now 78, moved back in to the White House this week after his official presidential inauguration in Washington DC.
Taking place indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s inauguration back in 1985, those present included close family such as wife Melania and youngest son, Barron.
There was also a range of famous names and faces at the ceremony inside the United States Capitol Building, including the richest people in the world all lined up in one row of seats.
Trump took the oath inside rather than outside for thousands of people to watch due to bleak weather conditions that have gripped the north east of the USA, with temperatures well below zero degrees Celsius.
Speaking to those present within the Capitol Building, Trump spoke about planting the United States flag on Mars, calling it their ‘manifest destiny’ (via NPR), as well as ‘invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798’ to crack down on cartels.
But it was when he took the presidential oath that tradition was broken many on social media noted the massive change from tradition by the 45th and now 47th POTUS.
Trump didn’t put his hand on the Bible during his oath
John Roberts, chief justice of the Supreme Court, stood before Trump as he readied himself to take the oath of office of the president of the United States.
The purpose of the oath is to reaffirm the president-elect’s commitment to protecting the US Constitution and ‘faithfully executive’ the powers of the presidency.
Since 1789 with George Washington, almost every president has spoken the oath while placing their hand on a Bible. Washington even kissed his copy of the religious text.
Some – Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama to name a few – have even done it with their hand on top of two Bibles.
In his first inauguration, Trump also used two Bibles – his family bible and the Lincoln bible, according to CBS News.
But for Trump, the 2025 oath again saw two Bibles present during the inauguration – but not being touched by him.
Instead, they were held next to him by wife Melania.
Does Trump not touching the Bible impact his oath?
Taking to social media, many wondered why he let his left arm hang by his side instead of placing it on top of the two Bibles – which is still not clear why.
But many were quick to remind others that there is no requirement to do what Trump didn’t do – therefore, it doesn’t really have much of an impact and he’s still officially the President.
“No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States,” the Constitution clearly states.
It also doesn’t specify what is needed for a swear-in, too (via The Independent).
Other presidents who didn’t take the oath with a Bible in hand were Thomas Jefferson and Calvin Coolidge, so Trump is by no means the only one to do the rare change up.
LADbible Group has previously contacted The White House for comment.
