Trump sparks curiosity on the internet after not putting hand on Bible during swearing-in Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump took the oath of office on Monday with his right hand raised but without placing his left hand on the two Bibles his wife Melania held as she stood by his side.
The apparent omission has no practical effect, academics say, but it has piqued curiosity online. Despite the inauguration fanfare and pep talk, the top thing Americans were searching on Google (NASDAQ: ) about Trump Monday afternoon was that he had not laid his hand on the Bible, which contains the scriptures of Christians and Jews.
What a future president swears by, whether it’s the Bible, a historical document or nothing at all, is irrelevant to their assumption of office, said Jeremi Suri, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a presidential scholar.
“There is nothing in the Constitution that says the president has to connect it to God in any way,” he said. “It is an oath to the Constitution.”
“I don’t think it has any bearing on his swearing in.” He added that the Constitution allows the new president to be sworn in or confirmed. The US founders “left it open to someone who is an atheist,” Suri said.
Trump spokesmen did not respond to a request for comment.
Article Two of the U.S. Constitution states that the incoming President “shall take the following oath or declaration: – I do solemnly swear (or affirm) to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, to the best of my ability (OTC:), preserve, protect, and defend Constitution of the United States.”
Trump chose the Bible that 16th President Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office on and that was given to Trump by his mother, his transition team said.
