Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2017, raised discussions regarding the Bible upon which he took his oath of office. This Bible, owned by Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was used during the ceremony, which has led to debates and fact-checks about the traditions surrounding presidential inaugurations. Articulated by Professor Barbara F. Walter, the Bible was a symbol of Trump’s family and faith. Historical precedents reveal that not all presidents have utilized a Bible for their swearing-in, with notable examples such as John Quincy Adams, who placed his hand on a book of law, and Franklin Pierce, who did not swear an oath at all. Fact-check organizations such as VERIFY have noted that while it is a tradition to use a Bible, it is not a legal requirement for a president to do so. In a statement, Trump’s press secretary affirmed, “The Bible has significant meaning for Donald Trump, as it was a family heirloom.” This event, along with the subsequent criticisms and analyses, highlighted different aspects of religious symbolism in a political context, raising questions about the implications of a president’s choice of the Bible during their oath of office.
Trump’s Inauguration: The Controversy Over the Bible Used for the Swearing-In Ceremony
