Donald Trump's re‑inauguration: Echoes of history and change

The inauguration of the U.S. President is rich in traditional symbolism. Although there is no formal requirement to swear on the Bible, most presidents uphold this practice. An exception was Lyndon Johnson, who, after the tragic death of John F. Kennedy, took the oath aboard Air Force One. Johnson swore to "faithfully execute the office" of the presidency.

A unique element of the inauguration was the choice of a historically significant Bible. Joe Biden took his oath on a family Bible, while Donald Trump chose the one that belonged to Abraham Lincoln. This Bible, published in 1853, has 1,280 pages and a velvet cover. It is part of the Library of Congress's collections.

Unusual presidential speeches

The inauguration of a U.S. President includes taking the oath and delivering an inaugural address. Since George Washington's time, these speeches have often contained religious themes. Washington quoted chapter 49 of Genesis. Richard Nixon drew from the Book of Isaiah, and Bill Clinton referenced the Letter to the Galatians, which caught the attention of critics in his second term.

Trump's re-inauguration was meant to bring the idea of a "common-sense revolution." "The Wall Street Journal" mentions his words full of optimism and a desire for change: "My message today to Americans is that the time has come for us to act again with the courage, vigor, and vitality of the greatest civilization in history."

The inauguration of an American president is a ceremony deeply rooted in tradition, combining historical significance with the new challenges of the newly elected leader.