Donald Trump Didn't Put His Hand on the Bible During His Oath of Office: Could That Change Anything at His Inauguration ?

Lors de son serment ce 20 janvier 2025, le président Donald Trump n’a pas posé la main sur les deux bibles présentées à lui. On vous explique ccomment c'est possible. 

Unlike his 2016 oath, Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bibles held by Melania Trump, points out CBS. And he had every right to do so! While new American presidents usually make this gesture, it is not obligatory.

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Two Bibles

As at every inauguration ceremony, the wife of the new head of state held two Bibles during her husband's oath: one given by his mother to little Donald Trump when he was a child, the second used at Abraham Lincoln's inauguration in 1861.

While taking the oath before Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, the billionaire did indeed raise his right hand, a symbol of commitment and truth in many courts. As for the second, the left, usually placed on the bibles, it hung along his body.

What does the founding text say?

Donald Trump did not have to make this gesture, in accordance with Article VI of the American Constitution, our colleagues across the Atlantic remind us.

Indeed, by taking the oath, the president undertakes to respect this founding text. However, the Constitution does not require any religion to be invoked: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public office under the United States.”

Also, “the senators and representatives above named, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution”, but their pledge alone is sufficient, without a bible.