Fact Check: When Trump was sworn in for the second time did he refuse to put his hand in the bible

Claim Analysis: "When Trump was sworn in for the second time did he refuse to put his hand on the bible"

Introduction

The claim in question states that during Donald Trump's second inauguration, he refused to place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath of office. This assertion has sparked discussions regarding the significance of this action, as well as the traditions associated with presidential inaugurations.

What We Know

1. Inauguration Details: Donald Trump was sworn in for a second time on January 20, 2025. Reports indicate that he did not place his hand on the Bible during the ceremony. ABC News and CBS News both confirmed this observation, stating that images from the event show Trump with his hand at his side rather than on the Bible 13.

2. Legal Requirements: There is no legal requirement for a president to place their hand on a Bible during the oath of office. KBTX reported that the act of placing a hand on the Bible is a tradition rather than a legal obligation 4.

3. Bibles Used: Trump reportedly used two Bibles during the ceremony: one given to him by his mother and the Lincoln Bible 6. However, he did not place his hand on either Bible, which deviates from the traditional practice observed by many past presidents.

4. Public Reaction: Following the inauguration, various media outlets and fact-checking organizations noted the absence of the traditional gesture. Politifact and other sources highlighted that while Trump did not place his hand on the Bible, this action is not unprecedented, as some past presidents have also opted out of this tradition 58.

Analysis

The sources cited provide a mix of factual reporting and analysis regarding Trump's actions during his second inauguration.

• Source Reliability:

  • ABC News and CBS News are established media outlets known for their journalistic standards, making their reports credible 13.
  • KBTX and Politifact also have a reputation for factual reporting, with Politifact specifically focusing on fact-checking claims, which adds an additional layer of scrutiny to their coverage 45.
  • Fox9 and WBALTV provide information about the Bibles used, but their focus is less on the implications of Trump's actions and more on the event details 26.

• Potential Bias: While the sources generally report facts, the framing of Trump's actions may vary. For instance, outlets with a conservative lean might downplay the significance of not placing a hand on the Bible, whereas more liberal outlets might emphasize it as a break from tradition.

• Methodological Concerns: The reporting largely relies on visual evidence and eyewitness accounts from the inauguration. However, there is limited discussion on the broader implications of this action or how it fits within the context of Trump's presidency and public perception.

• Conflicts of Interest: None of the sources appear to have a direct conflict of interest regarding this claim. However, the political affiliations of the outlets could influence how the information is presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bible during his second inauguration on January 20, 2025. Multiple credible sources, including ABC News and CBS News, confirmed that he kept his hand at his side during the oath of office, which is a notable deviation from the traditional practice observed by many past presidents.

It is important to note that placing a hand on the Bible is not a legal requirement for the presidential oath; it is a customary practice. This context helps to understand that while Trump's actions may be seen as unconventional, they do not violate any legal protocols.

However, the significance of this action can be interpreted differently depending on political perspectives. Some may view it as a break from tradition, while others may see it as a non-issue given the lack of legal obligation.

The available evidence primarily relies on visual documentation and reports from established media outlets, which, while credible, may still carry inherent biases in framing the narrative. As such, readers should remain aware of these nuances and consider the broader implications of such actions within the political landscape.

Ultimately, it is advisable for readers to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when interpreting claims of this nature.

Sources

1. Second inauguration of Donald Trump. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia
2. Which bible will Trump use at his inauguration? (2025, January 17). Retrieved from Fox9
3. Trump did not put his hand on the Bible at inauguration. (2025, January 20). Retrieved from CBS News
4. Trump doesn't place hand on Bible during swearing-in, but ... (2025, January 20). Retrieved from KBTX
5. Donald Trump didn't put his hand on the Bible during ... (2025, January 20). Retrieved from Politifact
6. What to know about the Bible Trump used at his inauguration. (2025, January 20). Retrieved from WBALTV
7. Trump's hand wasn't on the Bible during the oath of office. (2025, January 20). Retrieved from WIVB
8. President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day speeches, fact ... (2025, January 21). Retrieved from Poynter