But he didn’t put his hand on the Bible. The playground equivalent to keeping your fingers crossed behind your back. Shame on every republican, holding office and staying complacent. If a democrat was doing this I would be losing my shit! There’s the difference between
I remember that, thanks for the reminder! I thought that was purposeful at the time. Wouldn't want to upset the Christian right by lying while putting your hand on the bible so he just didn't. They should have made him.
I WISH they had made him because I think he had no intention of doing it. I know it is a formality and doesn't matter in a real or legal sense, but I think the reason he didn't do it is so that he could appease the Christian right later on when he doesn't uphold the constitution. You're right that they couldn't actually make him...but it annoys me no end that I think he purposely didn't put his hand on it, just so he could lie and not have to face the wrath of the CR when he later doesn't uphold the constitution.
I agree grabbing his hand and holding on the Bible would have been a bad photo op. I didn't watch that farce--did the Justice ask him to put his hand on the Bible? Maybe kind of motion that it would be kind of a good thing to do?
There is nothing in the Constitution that says that you have to put your hand on the Bible or anything else. It's just tradition. But I bet that he doesn't know or believe that.
That will be his excuse, that he didn't put his hand on the Bible. The Bible is only a symbol though, and he did repeat the words, or at least his mouth was moving. I thought at the time, when I saw he wasn't putting his hand on the Bible, he was going to do something illegal.
No, 3 president have not used a Bible. Teddy Roosevelt, John Quincy Adams (law text) and Lyndon B Johnson (Catholic missal). It is steeped in tradition not requirement. That being said his inauguration he had 2 Bibles, the Lincoln bible and one gifted from his mother. So to go through the process and to have it noted and not bother to carry out the remainder of the tradition begs one to wonder..all esthetics? Or maybe a hint of fear to not push it, I mean he’s 3 for 3 on broken marriage vows.
The comment that I answered was specifically about trump not placing his hand on the Bible, inferring that was something that needed to be done to make the Oath of Office legal. Some presidents have had Bibles present at their oath (Jefferson and Kennedy come to mind), but neither actually placed their hand on the Bible while taking the oath.
I am by far NOT a trump supporter. I was just trying to briefly explain why his hand on the Bible was not necessary, so I’m not quite sure why you felt the need of an elaborate reply to me.
I guarantee that this is his thinking! I first assumed that he wouldn't touch the Bible because he's superstitious but this makes more sense and I would bet that if he is still alive after he leaves office, we'll see him try to use this as an actual legal defense. With this guy, the stupidest explanation is always the correct one.
You don’t need a bible to make the oath authentic. I took the oath when I joined the military and there was no bible. Not everyone’s Christian so that would be a silly stipulation to have
Enough Republicans aren’t going to hold him accountable for anything. That’s the problem. This democracy was not setup in a way that dealt with a president and an entire political party being tyrants. We have to overwhelm the system with national strikes and national protest that are so huge it shuts everything down.
I see your point but he said the words. He took an oath. To say he doesn’t know is treasonous.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Some presidents have put their hand on a copy of the constitution, not the Bible. So not required, but it was extremely telling that he refused to put his hand on either one, even though Melania was holding 2 right next to him.
It’s not, but he had one next to him and usually I see people put their hand on some sort of text. Apparently you don’t have to, I was unsettled by it tho
Placing his hand on a Bible means NOTHING. Swearing to the Oath of Office is the only thing that matters. A Bible is not necessary. Many presidents have not used a Bible while taking the Oath of Office.
I'm not sure hand on the Bible was critical. He said the words and his words should mean something. He doesn't believe in anything in the Bible so what would it matter? But his words were enunciated clearly
That's the really scary thing. He's NOT stupid. He knows exactly what he's doing. Hes feigning ignorance whenever he's asked a legitimate question and makes noncommital statements so he's not held to anything he says. He's incredibly intentional with these responses. It's horrible. He's completely unqualified to be president and he's a criminal. He's been coached throughout his life to avoid saying incriminating things in court and that's exactly how he's treating this.
YES! You hit this spot on! He is intentional in everything he DOESN'T say! We are now participating in a redo of 1939 Germany. Too many Americans think it can't happen here. IT CAN HAPPEN HERE!!!
You guys give him way too much credit. He’s a puppet. He’s gotten lucky because he surrounds himself with people who are smarter and meaner than him. As long as they let him think he’s in charge he’s fine. He’s a miserable loser. He will get what he deserves.
Katrina: "he will get what he deserves" - there's an old saying 'from your lips to God's ear'
He's been lucky but he's also coldly calculating as hell. He not only learned and studied Roy Cohn's playbook but he's come to embody it.
He has never surrounded himself with anyone who was honorable and if they were honorable or thought they could change or influence them - they were gone. The rogue's gallery he has assembled at this point (oh, wait, they're "the Cabinet") are rather vile, calculating all by themselves - then toss in Putin, the Saudis, other malevolent influences.
It's a big machine. He's currently just the figure head. Likely a puppet - but we also have to figure out all who are pulling the strings and how to cut those, so to speak.
I truly believe since his days with Cohn who mentored him to avoid accountability, the rapey felon lives, breathes, and practices criminal behavior. He has perfected the “art” of scamming people and evading the law for decades. I also believe that he has a limited intellectual capacity for details and policies, let alone the finer points of the constitution and laws of our nation. The fact that he is aging (and I don’t think he looks healthy anymore, if he ever did ), adds to the impression of rapid aging. And his lapses during his speeches sound more like early dementia . If you read his speeches and posts verbatim, he comes across as delusional, flight of ideas, and manic. Time will tell, but he is on borrowed time due to his age.
I actually do think he is stupid. But he is also conniving, wealthy, and well-connected, which allows him to be more and more brazen. You're right that he's a puppet. But I'd add: A very stupid puppet.
he is not stupid. he is not super intelligent either. he practiced saying what he needs to say to get what he wants for 80 years or however old he is. he knows exactly what he is doing and how to talk to people and how to manipulate and how to get away with anything. for him all of this is a game that he does not take very seriously, because he feels he is superior to everyone else.
He knows exactly what he is doing he wants to make up his own laws and to hell with everything else. He is destroying everything day by day and nobody’s doing a damn thing. He needs to be stopped before people really start getting hurt and dying. He is a evil traitor and a piece of scum.
I think that we’re in crisis is beyond a doubt. He is a moronic, depraved, demented, mentally-ill psychopath. We need to act quickly. Cut off the head of the snake before the venom kills us all.
And his republican counterparts will say he can make the rules as he goes. We have to take them ALL out. Every last bit. Cut the tumor out completely so it can’t come back.
Jasmine, that's not a requirement. Nowhere in the constitution does it say you have to place your hand on the Bible. Please research that.
"While it's a common tradition, the Constitution only mandates the oath of office itself. The use of a Bible is a personal choice, and some presidents have used alternative texts or chosen not to use one at all."
Can't he be impeached for that? He swore to uphold the constitution at his inauguration
But he didn’t put his hand on the Bible. The playground equivalent to keeping your fingers crossed behind your back. Shame on every republican, holding office and staying complacent. If a democrat was doing this I would be losing my shit! There’s the difference between
And shame on every person who voted for him!
I remember that, thanks for the reminder! I thought that was purposeful at the time. Wouldn't want to upset the Christian right by lying while putting your hand on the bible so he just didn't. They should have made him.
Liz: WHY should they have "made him" put a hand on the bible?
It doesn't matter. It is not required. It wouldn't have changed anything.
And HOW would they have "made him" do this? "oh, sorry, buddy - no oath for you?"
I WISH they had made him because I think he had no intention of doing it. I know it is a formality and doesn't matter in a real or legal sense, but I think the reason he didn't do it is so that he could appease the Christian right later on when he doesn't uphold the constitution. You're right that they couldn't actually make him...but it annoys me no end that I think he purposely didn't put his hand on it, just so he could lie and not have to face the wrath of the CR when he later doesn't uphold the constitution.
I agree grabbing his hand and holding on the Bible would have been a bad photo op. I didn't watch that farce--did the Justice ask him to put his hand on the Bible? Maybe kind of motion that it would be kind of a good thing to do?
There is nothing in the Constitution that says that you have to put your hand on the Bible or anything else. It's just tradition. But I bet that he doesn't know or believe that.
I remember his hand just floating there. He knew he was gonna purposely disobey the constitution. He has to go. While we still have a country left
That will be his excuse, that he didn't put his hand on the Bible. The Bible is only a symbol though, and he did repeat the words, or at least his mouth was moving. I thought at the time, when I saw he wasn't putting his hand on the Bible, he was going to do something illegal.
Because it probably would have started on fire.
A president does NOT need to use a Bible while taking the Oath of Office. Only the oath is necessary. Not all presidents use a Bible.
No, 3 president have not used a Bible. Teddy Roosevelt, John Quincy Adams (law text) and Lyndon B Johnson (Catholic missal). It is steeped in tradition not requirement. That being said his inauguration he had 2 Bibles, the Lincoln bible and one gifted from his mother. So to go through the process and to have it noted and not bother to carry out the remainder of the tradition begs one to wonder..all esthetics? Or maybe a hint of fear to not push it, I mean he’s 3 for 3 on broken marriage vows.
The comment that I answered was specifically about trump not placing his hand on the Bible, inferring that was something that needed to be done to make the Oath of Office legal. Some presidents have had Bibles present at their oath (Jefferson and Kennedy come to mind), but neither actually placed their hand on the Bible while taking the oath.
I am by far NOT a trump supporter. I was just trying to briefly explain why his hand on the Bible was not necessary, so I’m not quite sure why you felt the need of an elaborate reply to me.
He won't put his hand on the Bible, but wants to be the next Pope. Sounds legit.
And, shame on the Dems for not doing more. I am a Democrat, and I believe that we are not doing enough.
I guarantee that this is his thinking! I first assumed that he wouldn't touch the Bible because he's superstitious but this makes more sense and I would bet that if he is still alive after he leaves office, we'll see him try to use this as an actual legal defense. With this guy, the stupidest explanation is always the correct one.
You don’t need a bible to make the oath authentic. I took the oath when I joined the military and there was no bible. Not everyone’s Christian so that would be a silly stipulation to have
And the Supreme Court Justice didn't ask him a second time. But does that undo his earlier oath?
My husband took the exact same oath as a federal worker and he didn’t swear on the Bible.
It’s a book of fiction, doesn’t matter!!
Yeah. We don't need that right now, after Trump published a meme of him in the Pontiff's garb.
Exactly!
Enough Republicans aren’t going to hold him accountable for anything. That’s the problem. This democracy was not setup in a way that dealt with a president and an entire political party being tyrants. We have to overwhelm the system with national strikes and national protest that are so huge it shuts everything down.
it explains his multiple divorces and bankruptcies
forgiveness for character flaws has its limitations
When I saw this I was thinking the exact same thing.
He took a oath to uphold and follow the laws of the constitution
H>es knows he just doesn't care..
Impeachment is useless without a conviction and removal by the Senate or we wouldn't even be here now.
He should be - as for much else he did. But that requires cooperation of our Congress, which at present seems to have misplaced its balls.
This 💯
Did anyone notice.. HE DID NOT PLACE HIS HAND ON THE BIBLE when he took the oath!
We didn't watch. I can't stand to see his face or hear his voice
He swore to the constitution with his hand UNDER the Bible.
HE. TOOK. AN. OATH.
I see your point but he said the words. He took an oath. To say he doesn’t know is treasonous.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
I’m certain he doesn’t value the word “oath” at all.
Or truth or much of anything else.
There it is "to the best of my ability ". He has none.
In Trump's mind, taking an oath means he is just saying words. Those words mean nothing to him.
Now I remember! Thanks!
Did he ever refute that oath ?
…”and to the best of my ability..” Does he really have the ability to be honest and just and honorable? Doubtful. He’s a criminal.
Good point.
Short answer: No
Longer answer: he's never had the abilities to be honest, just, honorable over many decades
Your answer: he's a criminal
He didn’t put his hand on the Bible
It’s crazy that he posted an AI image of himself as Pope.
Yeah I heard today he shared it. Moron!!!
So that is required???
No it's not required any book can be used .
but if he did use a Bible , god won't take to kindly to him lying etc .
I am certain that any diety wouldn’t look kindly at anything he’s done in his life.
But this focus/distraction re hand on the Bible is nuts, bluntly. NOT the point. Why even bring this up - repeatedly, ad nauseum.
That wasn't my point and I didn't bring it up the OP did I was just answering his question.
you think he believes in any gods besides himself?
No I don't that wasn't my point I should have put it another way.
Some presidents have put their hand on a copy of the constitution, not the Bible. So not required, but it was extremely telling that he refused to put his hand on either one, even though Melania was holding 2 right next to him.
It’s not, but he had one next to him and usually I see people put their hand on some sort of text. Apparently you don’t have to, I was unsettled by it tho
But it doesn’t matter
Maybe he forgot. He does that at times.
Haha. Who cares if the spaghetti monster in the sky was consulted. An oath is one’s word
Or should be
Except for habitual liars, malignant narcissists
Placing his hand on a Bible means NOTHING. Swearing to the Oath of Office is the only thing that matters. A Bible is not necessary. Many presidents have not used a Bible while taking the Oath of Office.
I'm not sure hand on the Bible was critical. He said the words and his words should mean something. He doesn't believe in anything in the Bible so what would it matter? But his words were enunciated clearly
That he has broken so many times that we can't count them anymore
Without placing his hand on the Bible
Or while he's flying around in his Quatar aerodynamic hotel.
He sooo stooopid. I can’t even
That's the really scary thing. He's NOT stupid. He knows exactly what he's doing. Hes feigning ignorance whenever he's asked a legitimate question and makes noncommital statements so he's not held to anything he says. He's incredibly intentional with these responses. It's horrible. He's completely unqualified to be president and he's a criminal. He's been coached throughout his life to avoid saying incriminating things in court and that's exactly how he's treating this.
YES! You hit this spot on! He is intentional in everything he DOESN'T say! We are now participating in a redo of 1939 Germany. Too many Americans think it can't happen here. IT CAN HAPPEN HERE!!!
You guys give him way too much credit. He’s a puppet. He’s gotten lucky because he surrounds himself with people who are smarter and meaner than him. As long as they let him think he’s in charge he’s fine. He’s a miserable loser. He will get what he deserves.
Katrina: "he will get what he deserves" - there's an old saying 'from your lips to God's ear'
He's been lucky but he's also coldly calculating as hell. He not only learned and studied Roy Cohn's playbook but he's come to embody it.
He has never surrounded himself with anyone who was honorable and if they were honorable or thought they could change or influence them - they were gone. The rogue's gallery he has assembled at this point (oh, wait, they're "the Cabinet") are rather vile, calculating all by themselves - then toss in Putin, the Saudis, other malevolent influences.
It's a big machine. He's currently just the figure head. Likely a puppet - but we also have to figure out all who are pulling the strings and how to cut those, so to speak.
Agreed! 💜
Agreed; he knows exactly what he is doing….Perfect analysis!
I truly believe since his days with Cohn who mentored him to avoid accountability, the rapey felon lives, breathes, and practices criminal behavior. He has perfected the “art” of scamming people and evading the law for decades. I also believe that he has a limited intellectual capacity for details and policies, let alone the finer points of the constitution and laws of our nation. The fact that he is aging (and I don’t think he looks healthy anymore, if he ever did ), adds to the impression of rapid aging. And his lapses during his speeches sound more like early dementia . If you read his speeches and posts verbatim, he comes across as delusional, flight of ideas, and manic. Time will tell, but he is on borrowed time due to his age.
I actually do think he is stupid. But he is also conniving, wealthy, and well-connected, which allows him to be more and more brazen. You're right that he's a puppet. But I'd add: A very stupid puppet.
Stupid with total meaness included. Thanks again, Magadites.
he is not stupid. he is not super intelligent either. he practiced saying what he needs to say to get what he wants for 80 years or however old he is. he knows exactly what he is doing and how to talk to people and how to manipulate and how to get away with anything. for him all of this is a game that he does not take very seriously, because he feels he is superior to everyone else.
If only this were true
It is clearly time for impeachment.
Been time
Umm, isn’t that proof (IN OUR FACES, that he is unfit for office?!? Get him out!!
Ummmm…. Isn’t preserving, protecting, and defending the Constitution a part of the Presidential Oath of Office????
make a deal with him?
seriously?
He knows exactly what he is doing he wants to make up his own laws and to hell with everything else. He is destroying everything day by day and nobody’s doing a damn thing. He needs to be stopped before people really start getting hurt and dying. He is a evil traitor and a piece of scum.
Are we in a crisis yet?
Full blown I’m afraid 🤦🏻♀️
I think that we’re in crisis is beyond a doubt. He is a moronic, depraved, demented, mentally-ill psychopath. We need to act quickly. Cut off the head of the snake before the venom kills us all.
YESSS!!!!!
He is such an ass!
And his republican counterparts will say he can make the rules as he goes. We have to take them ALL out. Every last bit. Cut the tumor out completely so it can’t come back.
then kill it w radiation
I knew the inaugaration and his oath of office was a sham. Political theater!
Exactly. He didn’t put his hand on the Bible. It wasn’t a mistake. He knew what he was doing.
Jasmine, that's not a requirement. Nowhere in the constitution does it say you have to place your hand on the Bible. Please research that.
"While it's a common tradition, the Constitution only mandates the oath of office itself. The use of a Bible is a personal choice, and some presidents have used alternative texts or chosen not to use one at all."
Oh okay. It just really unsettled me. I’ve never seen someone be sworn in without swearing on some kind of text
Probably because it's been long been our time. This is pretty good article. Not sure who the writers/site are, nonetheless, it's a good article:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/has-every-president-been-sworn-on-a-bible
It’s literally in the wording for oath of office for the president when sworn in.
There's nothing that requires a bible or other book.
There are multiple other sources if folks don't like these sources.
https://www.factcheck.org/2019/01/bibles-arent-required-for-the-oath-of-office/
https://www.freedomforum.org/swear-bible-oath-of-office/
https://www.wtsp.com/article/features/so-about-that/do-you-have-to-swear-in-christian-bible/67-3a02a82f-3b42-405a-9d65-903c1a0d34f0
Unbelievable! He's actually admitting to not knowing these things. Yes, I do hear alarm bells - more than usual.
I hate it here.
Then do your part to DEFEND it here however you can. Please.
If he doesn't know he shouldn't be there. It's that simple.
This just shines a light on his absolute inability to govern. There needs to be more of this in the media til everyone sees the truth.