Although presidents and other government officials have historically sworn the oath on a Bible, the Constitution doesn’t require it.

Images from the inauguration show President Trump did not put his hand on a Bible as he was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. It is not required in the Constitution.

Trump didn't place his hand on the Bible during his swearing-in, and some of his supporters are blaming John Roberts.

During his oath, Trump did not place his hand atop the Bible, a moment that quickly took over on social media as people watching at home took notice. #BREAKING: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/VywxkH9E4D

Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, taking the oath without placing his hand on the Bible

President-elect Donald Trump, from left, takes the oath of office as son Barron Trump and wife Melania Trump watch during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP) AP

President Trump did not place his hands on a stack of Bibles while taking the oath of office Monday, but he did not violate the U.S. Constitution either.

Donald Trump's second presidency officially got underway when, on Monday, January 20, 2025, he was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. During the ceremony, Trump was asked to place his hand on the Holy Bible.

President Donald Trump did not place his hand on the Bible as he took the oath of office during his inauguration on Monday. First lady Melania Trump stood next to the president holding two Bibles, but the 47th president of the United States didn't place his hand on either as he raised his right hand to take the presidential oath,

President Trump's family wasn't in place as the oath of office began, including his wife, Melania, who was holding two Bibles.

Donald and Melania Trump arrive at the White House ahead of the inauguration ceremony on Monday in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts in an inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday.