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

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.

Although presidents and other government officials have historically sworn the oath on a Bible, the Constitution doesn’t require it.

President Trump's family wasn't in place as the oath of office began, including his wife, Melania, who was holding two Bibles.

Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, taking the oath without placing his hand on the Bible

During his 2017 inauguration, Trump used both a family Bible and the so-called Lincoln Bible, belonging to America’s 16th president. In 2021, Biden used a family Bible that date

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

Donald Trump, 78, is the United States president once again after taking the oath of office from inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda on Monday, Jan. 20. He and newly inaugurated Vice President J.D. Vance

Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, 2025 one of many ceremonies that make up Inauguration Weekend.

Donald Trump took the oath of office on Monday, promising a sweeping series of executive orders upon his return to the presidency.

"Allowing the sentencing to proceed reaffirms the principle that the legal process must apply equally to all citizens," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

President-elect Donald Trump, from left, takes the oath of office as son Barron Trump and wife Melania Trump watch during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP) AP