Melania's 'awkward' kiss, Carrie Underwood performs a capella, and other viral moments at Donald Trump's inauguration

Trump took his oath of office administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, with his right hand raised, but without placing his left hand on the two Bibles—one given to Trump by his mother when he was a child, and the Lincoln Bible used at Abraham Lincoln's 1861 inauguration—held by his wife Melania.

The moment went viral, with social media users pointing out the breaking of tradition done by the previous US presidents. 

"President Donald Trump did NOT put his hand on the Bible while being sworn in, s**t about to get very unholy," an X user wrote. 

However, according to a Reuters report, there is no legal requirement for the president to place his hand on the Bible. According to Article VI, Clause 3, of the U.S. Constitution, members of Congress, state legislatures, and executive and judicial officers in the country are bound "by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

In his first inauguration in 2017, Trump placed his right hand atop two Bibles held by the first lady when he took oath as the 45th president.

Hillary Clinton laughs at Trump's plan to rename ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ 

Hilary Clinton reacts to Donald Trump declaring he will rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. pic.twitter.com/nCESoCF6tN

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 20, 2025

Hillary Clinton, former secretary of state and Trump's presidential rival in the 2016 elections, was seen stifling a laugh when the Republican declared his plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" with his return to office.

"America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on earth, inspiring the awe, and admiration of the entire world," Trump said in his address. 

"A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs," he added, which drew a laugh from Clinton.

Trump earlier shared his plan to change the name at a Mar-a-Lago press conference held on Jan. 7, saying it would "cover a lot of territory."

He added that Mexico is a “very dangerous place,” claiming it is “essentially run by the cartels.” 

Bernie Sanders spotted doing his 2021 viral pose again

US Senator Bernie Sanders made rounds again when he was spotted doing his iconic pose that also went viral during Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021.

During the 2025 event, the Vermont senator was seen sitting in the crowd with his legs and arms crossed across his chest. Social media users pointed out how the pose looked very similar to his viral 2021 meme-worthy photo where he also wore mittens and a face mask.

"This diva never changed," an X user said. Another user also posted, "[H]appy to report that Bernie Sanders hasn't changed."

"Bernie Sanders is the only person in there that actually gives a crap if you live or die," an X user also wrote.

Sanders is a known critic of Trump. After the inauguration, he slammed Trump and "the billionaire class" Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, who now "controls our government."

"When I started talking about Oligarchy, many people didn't understand what I meant. Well, that's changed. When the [three] wealthiest men in America sit behind Trump at his inauguration, everyone understands that the billionaire class now controls our government," he wrote on X.

"We must fight back," he added.

Elon Musk appears to make fascist salutes at inauguration rally 

Billionaire Elon Musk gave what appeared to be a fascist salute Monday while making a speech at the post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump at the Capital One Arena.

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just… pic.twitter.com/K8Fo0sdozL

— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 20, 2025

Tech billionaire Elon Musk drew ire when he seemingly made a fascist salute gesture during his speech at the inauguration rally at Capital One Arena.

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just want to say thank you for making it happen,” the owner of SpaceX, X, and Tesla enthusiastically said, before putting his hand on his chest and then raising it in a salute similar to the “Sieg Heil” victory salute of the Nazis.

He did the gesture again, with his arm and hand slightly lower.

“My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured. Thanks to you. We’re gonna have safe cities, finally safe cities. Secure borders, sensible spending. Basic stuff. And we’re gonna take ‘Doge’ to Mars," he added.

During his address, Trump said he wanted to "launch American astronauts to plant the Stars and Strips on the planet Mars." Musk, whose SpaceX aims to create a city on the red planet, responded with applause and a thumbs up.

Donald Trump’s awkward ‘air kiss’ to Melania 

Oh, now it makes sense. Melania wore the hat as a barrier to Trump’s lips. Got it. #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/v35yY7eD3I

— JC R WHIT (@JC99WHIT) January 20, 2025

Trump and his wife Melania also trended online for their awkward "air kiss." In the video, Melania, wearing a sleek navy blue outfit by an independent American designer, was approached by the president-elect for a kiss on the cheek. However, it was seemingly interrupted by the incoming first lady's Eric Javits boater hat that had a wide brim.

"That hat was the best decision Melania Trump has ever made. Cringiest air kiss ever," an X user wrote.

Carrie Underwood goes a capella at Trump's inauguration after a technical mishap 

Carrie Underwood unexpectedly performed America the Beautiful a capella after a two-minute technical glitch. In the video, the 41-year-old American Idol alum was seen mouthing the words to the staff, "I can just sing it" before telling the crowd, "You know the words, help me out here."

The performance drew mixed reactions among social media users.

"I mean…let’s just have one more conversation about what freaking class act [Carrie Underwood] was today. Not only did she wing it flawlessly, she invited the crowd, and she didn’t run away with the song or add anything crazy. It was a group project and she sounded like an angel," an X user wrote.

"The track wouldn't play for Carrie Underwood's America the Beautiful. That is god sending America another message," another one quipped.