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President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Monday.
President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts during inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Monday. (Chip Somodevilla - Pool - AFP / Getty Images)

Trump Sworn In Using 2 Different, Very Special Bibles

 By Randy DeSoto  January 20, 2025 at 11:16am
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Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president using two Bibles at the U.S. Capitol on Monday.

Fox News reported that one of the Bibles was one Trump’s mother gave him in 1955 to “mark his Sunday Church Primary School graduation at First Presbyterian Church, in Jamaica, New York,” according to a news release from his inaugural committee.

It is a 1953 Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

The second Bible was first used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861 when he was sworn in as the nation’s 16th president.

“It has only been used three times since, by President [Barack] Obama at each of his inaugurations and by President Trump at his first inauguration in 2017,” Trump’s release said. “The burgundy velvet-bound book is part of the collections of the Library of Congress.”

Trump’s swearing-in happened to fall on the federal holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Are you breathing a sigh of relief that Trump is back in charge?

Newsweek reported that George Washington started the tradition of placing a hand on the Bible while being sworn in as the nation’s first commander-in-chief in April 1789.

Washington on his own volition added the words, “So help me God” to the oath, which succeeding presidents have also followed.

Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan and Rev. Franklin Graham offered invocations at Trump’s inauguration.

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Dolan referenced Washington, Lincoln, and World War II Gen. George Patton’s exhortation to his soldiers to pray in all times. The archbishop also quoted Dr. King saying, “Without God, our efforts turn to ashes.”

Graham began his remarks, “Mr. President, the last four years, there were times I’m sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done. We praise Him and give Him glory.”

Many in the Capitol Rotunda then applauded as the preacher smiled.

Graham started his prayer by quoting from Psalm 33, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

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Randy DeSoto
Contributing Journalist
Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."
Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.
Birthplace
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Nationality
American
Honors/Awards
Graduated dean's list from West Point
Education
United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law
Books Written
We Hold These Truths
Professional Memberships
Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Politics, Entertainment, Faith




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