There’s been quite a buzz online following Donald Trump’s recent inauguration. The focus has been on an unusual detail – Trump did not place his hand on the Bible during the ceremony.
The inauguration, which took place on January 20, marked the 78-year-old’s return as president. Unlike his Vice President, Trump chose not to rest his hand on the Bible, an action that sparked a flurry of questions and theories across the internet.
Some individuals speculated that the person sworn in wasn’t actually the real Donald Trump but a body double. According to this line of thinking, the real Trump couldn’t swear on the Bible because he wasn’t present.
One internet user claimed: “They didn’t swear in the real Trump! The true Donald J. Trump was already sworn in elsewhere. This ceremony was just to throw off any assassination threats!”
Another observer suggested: “I think there’s a stand-in for Trump. In recent photos, he appears shorter than J.D. Vance, whereas in campaign photos, Trump seemed taller.”
Another shared their thoughts: “Every American president has been sworn in by placing their hand on a Bible. It’s a tradition, an American thing. The fact that Trump didn’t do it makes me think it was a body double.”
Others speculated that Trump had been privately sworn in beforehand and that the real Trump was safely within the confines of a military base at Cheyenne Mountain.
“The real Trump is at Cheyenne Mountain with top military generals. That’s how they plan to clean out the wrongdoers,” suggested a concerned citizen online.
However, these speculations aside, placing a hand on the Bible while swearing the Oath of Office isn’t legally required.
The United States Constitution’s Article VI states: “All executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” It’s clear that while it’s customary, it isn’t obligatory for the oath.
Since assuming office, Trump has been busily setting his agenda.
One significant action includes his decision to lift a four-year ban on federal executions. During Joe Biden’s term, 37 out of 40 sentences on federal death row had been reduced to life imprisonment, leaving only three who faced federal execution.
In his executive order, Trump criticized Biden for converting these sentences, accusing him of showing leniency towards “the 37 of the 40 most vile and sadistic rapists, child molesters, and murderers on Federal death row: remorseless criminals who brutalized young children, strangled and drowned their victims, and hunted strangers for sport.”
Trump further criticized judges opposing capital punishment, accusing them of wrongly declaring that it is unconstitutional despite the Constitution recognizing its legality.
The order emphasized that capital punishment remains an essential deterrent and measure for punishing those who commit the most heinous acts of violence against American citizens.
“Throughout the history of the United States, our cities, states, and nation have relied on capital punishment as a deterrent and rightful penalty for the vilest crimes,” the statement highlighted.
“Our Founders knew well that capital punishment was necessary to deliver justice and restore order in response to evil acts. Hence, capital punishment maintains strong public support.”
”For a long time, politicians and judges opposed to this sanction have subverted the country’s laws,” he added.
“At every opportunity, they have blocked the execution of capital sentences, acting on personal beliefs instead of the law.”
“The Government holds the solemn duty to shield its citizens from dreadful actions,” Trump declared.
“My Administration won’t allow any attempt to thwart the lawful enforcement of capital punishment against those committing dreadful crimes against Americans.”
To support this stance, the order instructed the Attorney General to take every necessary action to ensure that states permitting capital punishment have an adequate supply of drugs required for lethal injections.
