In any case, most modern presidents — Biden, Obama, and even Trump during his first oath — have indeed placed their hand upon the Bible, despite there being no requirement to do so.

President Trump didn't place his hand on a Bible when he took his oath of office on Jan. 20, 2025. He’s not the first president to swear the oath without doing so.

Donald Trump raised his right hand while placing his left hand on the Bible Monday afternoon. He then took the oath of office and was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

In contrast, Vice President JD Vance was sworn in with his hand on a family Bible from Kentucky. Beyond the oath of office, Trump has had an unorthodox relationship with the Holy Scriptures.

Inauguration Trump took oath of office without his hand on the Bible Trump is certainly not the first president to not use a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony.

His wife, Melania Trump, stood next to the 47th president holding the Lincoln Bible in addition to a personal Bible, but Trump took the entire oath without placing his hand on either.

President Trump didn't place his hand on a Bible when he took his oath of office on Jan. 20, 2025. He’s not the first president to swear the oath without doing so.