Donald Trump will use two historically significant Bibles for his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
According to Fox News, President-elect Donald Trump's swearing-in will feature a Bible given to him in childhood and the prestigious Lincoln Bible.
This inauguration marks the 60th in U.S. history and will take place on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Trump will use two Bibles: one from his youth, presented by his mother after he completed Sunday church primary school in 1955, and the revered Lincoln Bible, which numerous former presidents have used.
Trump received a 1953 revised standard version of the Bible from his mother, published by Thomas Nelson and Sons. It marks his graduation from the Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, New York, with his name embossed on the cover accompanied by signatures from church officials.
The second Bible, a burgundy velvet-bound edition known as the Lincoln Bible, was first utilized by Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration. The Library of Congress owns the Bible, which Barack Obama used for his inauguration and Trump also used during his first swearing-in in 2017.
Quoting from Trump's inaugural committee, "It was to mark his Sunday Church Primary School graduation at First Presbyterian Church, in Jamaica, New York."
Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, will hold the Bibles as he takes the oath of office, which will be administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Watching on will be his children, Barron, Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany Trump, symbolizing a family moment during this national event.
The use of both the family and historic Bible signifies a blend of personal heritage and national tradition, underlining the solemnity and significance of the event. Trump's choice of Bibles speaks to the intersection of personal milestones with his public and presidential journey.
About the choice of the Lincoln Bible, Trump's team previously stated:
It has only been used three times since, by President Obama at each of his inaugurations and by President Trump at his first inauguration in 2017.
The inauguration’s timing on the federal holiday dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. adds a layer of historical resonance, connecting the civil rights leader's legacy with the ceremonial transfer of power. This confluence echoes themes of democracy and civil leadership inherent to the American political landscape.
Incorporating such symbolic Bibles on this significant day serves not just to honor individual legacies but also to remind the public and those participating of the enduring principles and the storied past of America’s presidency.
The decision to use both a personal and a historically significant Bible highlights the blending of personal history with the broader American narrative. This moment is set to be another important chapter in United States presidential history, witnessed by millions around the world.
As Donald Trump prepares to step into the role of the President again, the inauguration ceremony promises not only to follow historical traditions but also to add personal touches that are emblematic of his pathway to the presidency. Today, as we witness this melding of personal and public spheres, we see reinforced the values of continuity and respect for the political and social ideals that each Bible represents.
