Is Donald Trump’s oath of office even valid? This is now a concern for many Americans, as the 78-year-old has broken with a long tradition. When taking his oath, the self-proclaimed ‘chosen one’ did not place his left hand on the Bibles his wife Melania was holding.
Right hand raised, left hand on the Holy Scripture! This is what tradition says at the inauguration of an American president. Trump literally ignored the available Bibles. It is not yet known whether there was an intentional violation of the protocol. The White House left questions about this unanswered.
Many people in the US are now wondering whether Trump’s presidency is now valid. This was initially the most common Google search related to the “inauguration.” So far in advance: the presence of the Bible has no influence on the oath itself. This is based on the US Constitution, which does not provide for any religious connection.
Chain of errors to blame?
But it’s a glaring flaw, considering Trump’s core electorate is ultraconservative Christians. From their point of view, it is a violation of a taboo of Biblical proportions. Some even see the “Antichrist” coming. In particular, “Chief Justice” John Roberts, who swore in Trump, is accused. He would have started the process without waiting for his wife Melania. She only rushed to the scene as Trump was about to take his oath of office.
The 78-year-old actually wanted to put his hand on two Bibles, as his team announced in advance. By choosing the Lincoln Bible, he wanted to pay tribute to the first Republican American president, Abraham Lincoln. The slave liberator had used the document when he was sworn in in 1861 because he had forgotten his family Bible at home. His mother gave him the second.
The politician, who is not exactly considered Biblical, wanted to use the dual election to highlight his historic connection to perhaps the greatest American president in history, as well as a personal bond with his family. That really went wrong.
Trump mentioned God in his speech
After his misstep, the 78-year-old ironically emphasized that he felt “chosen.” God allowed him to survive the attack in Pennsylvania. The Bible is said to be his favorite book, as the world learned when he promoted his ‘USA Bible’ last October.
As the American media learned shortly afterwards, he had the Bible, which cost about $60, printed in China for just under $3 each.
Break with a long tradition
With his contempt for the Bible, Trump breaks a long American tradition. At his first inauguration, George Washington used the altar Bible of a nearby Masonic lodge and kissed it after taking the oath. Almost everyone followed his example in one way or another.
On the rare occasions where a Bible has not been used, presidents have placed their hands on something that symbolizes a higher power. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, placed his hand on a law book. Lyndon B. Johnson, aboard Air Force One after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, used a Catholic prayer book found on the plane. Trump now decided to simply let his left hand dangle…
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
