Donald Trump will swear in with the Bible that was used at the swearing-in of Abraham Lincoln, his 1861 presidential oath of office. His inauguration committee confirmed it on Monday. A personal Bible of Trump’s, as with the first inaugural of 2017, is to be employed during the oath. Former President Barack Obama similarly utilized the Lincoln Bible for his inaugurations, too.
In a personal gesture, Vice President-elect JD Vance has chosen to swear in using a family Bible that goes all the way back to his great-grandmother. This symbolic choice highlights the importance of family history and tradition as Vance starts his new role in the White House.
These sacred texts, thus, indicate that the historical and personal ties entangled with the oath-taking ceremony are deep, with both leaders honoring the legacy of presidencies past and family heritage.