During his 2017 inauguration, Trump placed his hand on a family Bible stacked atop Lincoln's while taking the oath. While reciting the presidential oath of office is mandated by the Constitution, using a Bible isn't. Trump is certainly not the first president to not use a Bible during the swearing-in ceremony.

Some social media users wondered if Donald Trump not taking the oath on a religious text meant he wasn't properly sworn in.

Eagle-eye onlookers were quick to notice President Donald Trump did not have his hand on the Bible when he took

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

President Donald Trump did not place his hand on the two Bibles held by his wife, Melania Trump, when he took his second oath of office to become the 47th president of the United States

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.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump holds the Bible during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

Images from the swearing-in show President Trump did not put his hand on a Bible as he was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. His right hand was raised while his left arm hung down at his side.

Trump took the oath of office on Monday immediately after Vice President JD Vance was sworn in by Associate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. As Vance took the oath of office, he placed his right hand on a Bible that was held by his wife, Usha Vance, as she also held one of their three children.