Donald John Trump became the 47th president of the United States on Monday, and two Latter-day Saint apostles were on hand for the events and ceremonies surrounding the historic occasion.
Continuing a long, bipartisan, even nonpartisan, tradition that dates back to the 1873 inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent high-level representatives to attend the installation of the nation’s new commander in chief.
Apostles Gary E. Stevenson and Gerrit W. Gong got the call this time from the Utah-based faith’s governing First Presidency. Their presence, according to a news release, shows the church’s belief in “supporting and celebrating freedom and civility and upholding the principles of the Constitution.”
“Being in Washington, D.C., at such a time as this is an honor,” Stevenson said in the release. “The enduring principles that have been the foundation of our nation are important guides for our personal lives, families and communities.”
The apostle also attended Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Gong said the global faith of 17.2 million members “wish[es] this administration and all those that serve this country in any capacity strength and wisdom for so great a cause. Our best wishes and heaven-sent prayers to all our local, national and world leaders at this important time.”
(Julia Demaree Nikhinson | AP) Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump holds the Bible in Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.
The church sent similar sentiments when it congratulated Trump on his return to the White House after his victory in November.
“We invite all to pray for him, other elected officers, and leaders of nations around the world,” the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a statement the day after his election. “Praying for those in public office is a long tradition in [the church]. Given the difficult challenges of our day, it is vital that we look to God for guidance and blessing and seek to be peacemakers in our homes and communities.”
In the same postelection release, Latter-day Saint leaders also commended outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump defeated in the hard-fought race, “for her candidacy” and thanked her and former President Joe Biden “for their public service at the nation’s highest levels.”
No church leaders attended Biden’s inauguration four years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
