Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts at the US Capitol on Monday. The 78-year-old raised his right hand to take the oath of office but did not place his hand on the Bible at the time.
“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,” Trump said in his oath.
Donald Trump didn’t put his hand on the Bible when he was swearing the oath of office to defend the Constitution.
Because he’s a corrupt piece of trash.
What say you, MAGA Christians? pic.twitter.com/yqiPu55Gky
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) January 20, 2025
His actions sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
Many users expressed their concerns, with one commenting, “He’s going to shred the Constitution; that’s why he wants to be a dictator, not a president,” while another added, “He has no intention of following the constitution.”
Others shared mixed sentiments, such as, “It was rushed, unfortunately. Trump’s wife had no time before the swearing-in started,” and, “Not saying otherwise… it would have been so much nicer if he would have put his hand on his two bibles! Nobody trumps God! May God be with Donald Trump.”
As per reports, Trump used two Bibles – one given to him by his mother, and the Lincoln Bible for the ceremony.
Lincoln used the same during his 1861 swearing-in. Trump had used the two in 2017 too for his first inauguration.
Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, was sworn in by Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
In his inaugural address, Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now,” outlining priorities on trade, immigration, and national security. He criticised former President Joe Biden, who was present at the ceremony, and proclaimed, “America’s decline is over.” Trump also recounted surviving an assassination attempt last year, stating he was “saved by God to Make America Great Again.”
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