Trump's Inauguration Oath: Bible or Not, the Constitution's Mandate
On January 20th, 2017, Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States, with his hand resting on two Bibles: one that belonged to Abraham Lincoln and one that belonged to his mother. The use of Bibles in the inauguration ceremony is a long-standing tradition, but it is not required by the Constitution.
The Constitutional Mandate
The Constitution only requires that the president take an oath or affirmation to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." The oath does not specify the use of a Bible or any other religious text.
However, the use of Bibles in the inauguration ceremony has become a tradition over the years. According to the Library of Congress, the first president to use a Bible during his inauguration was George Washington in 1789. Since then, all but two presidents have used a Bible during their inauguration: John Quincy Adams and Theodore Roosevelt.
The Use of Bibles in the Inauguration Ceremony
There are several reasons why presidents have chosen to use Bibles in the inauguration ceremony. For some, it is a way to show their faith in God. For others, it is a way to connect with the history of the United States. And for still others, it is simply a way to follow tradition.
The use of Bibles in the inauguration ceremony has been criticized by some who argue that it is a violation of the separation of church and state. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that the use of Bibles in the inauguration ceremony is not a violation of the Constitution.
The Complexities of Trump's Inauguration Oath
Trump's use of Bibles in his inauguration ceremony was particularly controversial because of his history of making disparaging remarks about Muslims and other religious groups. Some people argued that his use of Bibles was hypocritical, while others defended his right to use Bibles as a symbol of his faith.
The controversy over Trump's use of Bibles in his inauguration ceremony highlights the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States. While the Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state, it also protects the free exercise of religion. This means that presidents are free to use Bibles or other religious texts in their inauguration ceremonies, even if it offends some people.
Conclusion
The use of Bibles in the inauguration ceremony is a complex issue with a long history. While the Constitution does not require the use of Bibles, it has become a tradition that most presidents have followed. The controversy over Trump's use of Bibles in his inauguration ceremony highlights the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a Bible in the inauguration ceremony is a personal one for each president. There is no right or wrong answer, and each president should make the decision that he believes is best.
