Did JFK swear on a Bible?
Asked by: Alyce Jacobs | Last update: June 2, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (42 votes)
Yes, John F. Kennedy swore his oath of office on a Bible, specifically his family's Fitzgerald Family Bible, although reports noted his hand briefly slipped off it, but he confirmed he placed his hand on it initially as he took the oath. The use of a Bible for presidential inaugurations is a strong tradition, though not constitutionally required, with some presidents opting for law books or other texts, and Kennedy used his family Bible, which was later used by Lyndon B. Johnson on Air Force One for his oath after Kennedy's death.
Which president did not swear on a Bible?
Several U.S. Presidents have not used a Bible for their oath, including John Quincy Adams (used a law book), Theodore Roosevelt (no book after McKinley's death), Calvin Coolidge (didn't use his family Bible in Vermont), and Lyndon B. Johnson (mistakenly used a Catholic missal on Air Force One). The Constitution doesn't require a Bible, making it a tradition, not a mandate.
Did JFK put hand on the Bible?
I had my left hand on the Bible and my right hand in the air, and I was about to take the oath of office, and I said to myself, 'How the hell did Kara get that seat?' "
What Bible do the presidents swear in on?
The George Washington Inaugural Bible is the Bible that was sworn upon by George Washington when he took office as the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789. The Bible has subsequently been the oath book in the inauguration ceremonies of several other U.S. presidents.
Which president was sworn in on a law book?
George Washington began that tradition in 1789, and most presidents have followed suit, though they can choose another book (John Quincy Adams, for example, swore his oath on a law book).
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What is the only Bible endorsed by Trump?
The God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, also known as the Trump Bible, is an anthology or compilation of texts—some of them deliberately incomplete—in the realm of American Civil Religion and Trumpism, containing an edition of the King James Version of the Christian Bible, alongside texts related to the foundation and politics ...
Who was the first president to be sworn in with a Bible?
"The Inauguration of George Washington", oil painting on canvas, by Ramon de Elorriaga, New York, 1899. On exhibit at Federal Hall. The Bible George Washington used during his inauguration as the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789 was loaned to him by a local Masonic Lodge, St. John's Lodge No.
Did Obama swear in with a Bible?
Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump each swore the oath on two Bibles. Thomas Jefferson and Calvin Coolidge did not use a Bible in their oath-taking ceremonies.
What Bible did Trump use?
The "Trump Bible" refers to the God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, a compilation featuring the King James Version of the Bible alongside American founding documents (Constitution, Declaration, Pledge) and Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" lyrics, marketed by Donald Trump. Critics call it a Christian nationalist product mixing faith and politics, noting its low print quality and high price, while supporters see it as a patriotic call to restore American Christian values, though it's distinct from other satirical or parody "Trump Bibles".
What did George Washington swear on?
Down the street from Trinity Church, George Washington stood on the portico at Federal Hall, placed his hand on a bible borrowed from the local Masonic lodge, and took the presidential oath of office.
What were JFK's last words before he died?
Nellie Connally turned and commented to Kennedy, who was sitting behind her, "Mr. President, they can't make you believe now that there are not some in Dallas who love and appreciate you, can they?" Kennedy's reply – "No, they sure can't" – were his last words.
What religion did JFK believe in?
President Kennedy was the only Catholic to have held the highest office in the land until Joseph Biden was inaugurated in 2021.
Is the Bible mentioned in the constitution?
The U.S. Constitution does not mention the Bible, God, Jesus or Christianity, and the First Amendment clarifies that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Still, some scholars have argued that the Bible heavily influenced America's founders.
Did Bill Clinton swear on the Bible?
Presidential oath
At noon, the oath of office was administered to Clinton by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. The oath was sworn on a King James Bible, which was given to him by his grandmother.
What president didn't believe in God?
While no president so far has ever openly identified as an atheist, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and William Howard Taft were speculated to be atheists by their opponents during political campaigns; in addition, a survey during the first presidency of Donald Trump showed that 63% of Americans did not believe he ...
Can you refuse to swear on a Bible in court?
Today it is well settled that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution denies the government any authority to coerce a person into performing a religious act, including swearing oaths on a bible.
Which president did not use the Bible to take the oath of office?
Several U.S. Presidents did not use a Bible for their oath, including John Quincy Adams (used a law book), Theodore Roosevelt (used no book at his first swearing-in), and Lyndon B. Johnson (used a Catholic missal), with Calvin Coolidge also noting he didn't use one, adhering to Vermont tradition. The Constitution doesn't require a Bible, allowing for these variations, often signifying a belief in secularism or responding to unique circumstances.
Does Trump believe in the Bible?
Donald Trump identifies as a Christian (raised Presbyterian, now non-denominational) and calls the Bible a very important book, claiming he reads it a lot, but his understanding and application of its teachings are often questioned by religious scholars and critics, who point to superficial knowledge, factual errors in quotes, and actions seemingly contradictory to biblical principles like humility or forgiveness, while supporters argue he supports Christian values and aligns with evangelicals by backing their issues.
Did Trump use the same Bible as Abraham Lincoln?
The bible was the oath book of President Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861. It was also used by President Barack Obama at his inaugurations in 2009 and 2013, as well as by President Donald Trump at his inaugurations in 2017 and 2025. The bible was returned to Carroll after Lincoln's first inauguration.
What was Obama's GPA?
Barack Obama reportedly had a 3.7 GPA when he graduated from Columbia University, where he majored in political science and graduated with a B.A. in 1983, though details from his time at Occidental College (where he initially attended) are less specific, with one biographer noting Obama told him his GPA there was 3.7 as well.
Which president tried to rewrite the Bible?
For those who know much about Thomas Jefferson, the idea that he wanted his own version of the Bible shouldn't be surprising. He took issue with the idea of organized religion dictating what people should and shouldn't believe, and he believed that faith was a very personal thing.
Where in the Bible does it say not to swear an oath?
Matthew 5:34-37 King James Version (KJV)
but I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
What president walked to his own inauguration?
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter walk down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House during the 1977 Inaugural Parade. Jimmy Carter was the first President to exit the motorcade car to walk the parade. Since then, it has become a traditional part of the Inaugural Parade.