During President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, former President Joe Biden was observed making the sign of the cross, a gesture traditionally associated with seeking divine protection or expressing disbelief. This occurred while Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about the peaceful transition of power, a topic particularly poignant given the political climate. Biden’s action was captured on video and widely shared, prompting discussions about its intended meaning.
This was not the first instance of Biden employing this gesture in a political context. In September 2021, during a campaign event in California, he made the sign of the cross after mentioning former President Trump, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Similarly, in November 2023, while addressing auto workers in Belvidere, Illinois, Biden used the gesture upon referencing his predecessor, again generating amusement among attendees.
These instances suggest that Biden utilizes the sign of the cross as a lighthearted, symbolic expression, particularly when addressing topics or individuals associated with controversy or challenges during his political tenure.