Trump’s Oath: A Roman Apotheosis Ritual

Donald Trump’s 2025 swearing-in ceremony under the Capitol’s dome carried profound symbolic weight, drawing connections to the allegorical fresco The Apotheosis of Washington. Painted in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi, the fresco depicts George Washington ascending to the heavens(and becoming a god), surrounded by Roman gods symbolizing virtues like wisdom, commerce, and innovation.
Trump’s raised hand during the oath mirrored Washington’s gesture in the painting, while his purple tie echoed Washington’s Roman-inspired attire, worn by generals and emperors to signify triumph. This imagery evoked a sense of continuity with Roman ideals and America’s founding legacy.
The fresco’s gods, including Minerva (wisdom), Mercury (commerce), and Neptune (naval power), symbolize the virtues Trump emphasized in his vision for America’s future. His focus on artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and economic dominance aligns with these themes, casting his presidency as a modern Golden Age for the nation.
Through this ceremonial symbolism, Trump’s inauguration connects America’s present with its classical-inspired foundations.