Rev Franklin Graham has given his view on why Trump did not swear on the Bible during Monday's inauguration ceremony, after the incident sparked a flurry of speculation amongst Christians online.
Speaking to Premier Christian News, Graham insisted that the omission had no spiritual significance and said it was simply an issue of ceremonial timing.
"You're supposed to be sworn in by 12," Graham said. "And I think it was now 1201, and so that was just kind of hurried and didn't have time."
First Lady Melania Trump could be seen bringing the Bible to her husband's side as he began the oath, but Trump curiously did not place his hand upon it.
"Justice Kavanaugh started administering the oath before Melania even got up there with the Bibles," Franklin explained, "which, you know, it was just an awkward situation, but it wasn't intentional, I promise."
Rev Graham delivered an impassioned prayer at the ceremony, declaring that God saved Trump's life and "raised him up with strength and power".
In his inaugural address, Trump also referenced the attempt against his life and declared that he had been "saved by God to make America great again".
'HE WILL LISTEN TO CHRISTIANS'
Rev Graham also told Premier Christian News that President Trump "cannot do his job without God" and is confident that he will "listen to the Christians" while in office.
"Biden was not friendly at all to people of faith," Graham said. "But Trump has always been friendly, and he's going to listen to the Christians."
Graham noted that President Trump has "some wonderful Christians in his cabinet, people who love God" and said his personal role was "to pray and to encourage people to pray for [Trump]".
"If he asks me a question, I'll answer it, but I want to encourage people to pray for him, because he cannot do his job without God," he said. "And America will never be great again if we turn our back on God."
"And so I want us to encourage everybody to pray for the President and just be a strength for him in that area, lifting him up in prayer every day."
