Trump Skipped Bible During 2025 Inauguration, Sparking Criticism

Tucker Carlson questions Trump's rejection of Christian symbolism after president's controversial Easter message

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:10am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty podium, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of political ritual and tradition.The absence of a Bible during Trump's 2025 inauguration ceremony raises questions about his relationship with religious voters.Phoenix Today

Former President Donald Trump faced criticism from conservative commentator Tucker Carlson for not placing his hand on the Bible during his 2025 inauguration ceremony, a longstanding presidential tradition. Carlson suggested Trump's decision to forgo the Bible was a sign he 'affirmatively rejects' the limitations on human behavior outlined in the Christian scriptures. The criticism comes after Trump posted a profanity-laced message on Easter referencing Iran, which Carlson described as 'a mockery of Christianity'.

Why it matters

Trump's decision to skip the Bible during his swearing-in was seen by some as a break from presidential norms and a rejection of Christian symbolism, raising questions about his relationship with religious voters. Carlson's criticism reflects the ongoing debate over Trump's appeal to evangelical and conservative Christian supporters, even as he has made statements that some view as dismissive of Christian values.

The details

During Trump's 2025 inauguration, he did not place his hand on the Bible as is customary for U.S. presidents. While this is not legally required, it is a longstanding tradition. In contrast, Vice President JD Vance did follow tradition and put his hand on the Bible. In his previous 2017 inauguration, Trump had placed his hand on two Bibles. Carlson suggested Trump's decision to forgo the Bible was a sign he 'affirmatively rejects' the limitations on human behavior outlined in the Christian scriptures.

  • Trump was sworn in as president on January 20, 2025.
  • Carlson made his comments criticizing Trump's actions on his podcast on April 7, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who was sworn in for a second term in 2025 without placing his hand on the Bible.

Tucker Carlson

A conservative political commentator who criticized Trump for not swearing on the Bible and for posting a controversial message on Easter.

JD Vance

The Vice President who was sworn in alongside Trump in 2025 and did place his hand on the Bible.

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What they’re saying

“Why wouldn't you put your hand on the Bible? If you don't believe in the Bible. You think it's just a book... All presidents do it. Why aren't you doing it?”

— Tucker Carlson, Political Commentator

“You know what you are doing, and you are doing it anyway.”

— Tucker Carlson, Political Commentator

“Because if there is one theme that spans all 66 books in the Christian Bible, it is that you are not God. And you cannot assume his powers. Because you don't have them. You may convince yourself that you have them. You may want them. You may even promise them. But in the end, they're not yours.”

— Tucker Carlson, Political Commentator

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Trump's decision to forgo the Bible during his 2025 inauguration will have any lasting political implications, especially among his evangelical Christian supporters.

The takeaway

Trump's break from the traditional use of the Bible during his inauguration ceremony raises questions about his relationship with religious voters, even as he continues to maintain support from many evangelical Christians. Carlson's criticism reflects the ongoing debate over Trump's appeal to this key part of the Republican base.