Trump didn't place his hand on the Bible during his swearing-in, and some of his supporters are blaming John Roberts.

During his oath, Trump did not place his hand atop the Bible, a moment that quickly took over on social media as people watching at home took notice. #BREAKING: Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/VywxkH9E4D

On Tuesday’s Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern discussed the president’s shock-and-awe return to office, and how his first round of policies might fare in court. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity.

The showrunner also tackled Lord John Grey spin-off rumors, the Outlander prequel, and why the show killed [spoiler].

Donald Trump's second presidency officially got underway when, on Monday, January 20, 2025, he was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. During the ceremony, Trump was asked to place his hand on the Holy Bible.

Update 9:27 a.m. ET, Jan. 20: Today is not only Inauguration Day but it is also a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But the work of Washington will continue. Several confirmation votes and meetings are scheduled to be held today.

Photos of the swearing-in of President Donald Trump on Monday show him with his hand at his side, not atop the Bible.

Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in Monday as the 47th U.S. president taking cha

Some social media users wondered if Donald Trump not taking the oath on a religious text meant he wasn't properly sworn in.

Donald Trump oath ceremony Highlights: Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as the 47th US President on Monday. Vice president JD Vance also took oath. Trump, who has promised a new "golden age" for America, took oath at an indoor ceremony at the rotunda of the US Capitol building. ...Read More

About 20,000 Trump supporters have gathered at Capital One Arena in Washington Monday afternoon, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to address the crowd later in the day. Trump is also expected to sign several executive actions at the area during his on-stage appearance.

Trump became president moments after noon, taking the oath read by Chief Justice John Roberts. Trump was joined by his wife Melania Trump who was holding both a family bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration.