Discover the symbolism of the Lincoln Bible used by Trump in his swearing-in as president. A historical object loaded with meaning.
He Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th president of the United States left an intriguing detail: his hand rested on the iconic Abraham Lincoln Bible. This specimen, used for the first time at Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861, has deep historical and spiritual symbolism. What makes this holy book so special?
The story of the Bible with which Trump swore in
The Lincoln Bible, an 1853 edition of the King James Versionwas improvised by William Thomas Carroll, clerk of the Supreme Court, because Lincoln’s personal Bible did not arrive on time from Springfield, Illinois. Encased in burgundy velvet with metallic details, its elegant design and dated blue seal make it a priceless heirloom.
Trump and bible.webp
With only four appearances in presidential ceremonies, this book is a symbol of democratic continuity in the country’s most decisive moments.
For use at Trump’s inauguration, the Library of Congress implemented rigorous preservation measures. In 2017, a Mylar cover protected the text from the humidity of the outdoor ceremony, marking one of many efforts to preserve its legacy.
Why Trump swore with two Bibles
In addition to Lincoln’s Bible, Trump added a second highly emotional copy: a personal Bible that his mother gave him in 1955. This object, inscribed with his name and blessed by leaders of his church, connects the political with the personal, symbolizing the values that guide your decisions.
The meaning of this Bible transcends generations. In previous ceremonies, it was also used by Barack Obama and Trump himself in 2017. Thus, its choice not only honors Lincoln, but reaffirms an American tradition: the use of sacred texts in presidential transitions.
Trump and bible.webp
The symbolism does not end here. The ceremony took place under the gaze of the bust of Martin Luther King Jr., coinciding with the day that commemorates the African-American leader. This detail adds a reflective dimension to the event, highlighting the fight for equality within the framework of the country’s history.
Lincoln’s Bible is not just an object; is a silent witness to the nation’s most crucial chapters, connecting eras and leaders in a continuum of faith, democracy and historical legacy.
