Trump Expected to Repeat Rare Historical Move During His Swearing-in Ceremony

President-elect Trump is set to take the oath of office on Monday, and he’s doing it in a way that’s both deeply personal and historically significant—by placing his hand on two Bibles. And not just any Bibles, but one with sentimental value from his childhood and the iconic Lincoln Bible, rich with American history.

First up is Trump’s personal Bible, a gift from his mother in 1955, marking his graduation from Sunday Church Primary School at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, New York. It’s a 1953 revised standard version, embossed with his name on the cover—because of course it is. Inside, there are inscriptions from church officials and details of the special occasion. A sweet touch of nostalgia for Trump, showing that even a man known for building skyscrapers and hosting reality TV shows still holds onto the things that shaped him early on.

But it wouldn’t be a Trump event without a little grandiosity, right? Enter the Lincoln Bible. This piece of American history was first used by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and has since been used sparingly—most notably by Barack Obama at both of his inaugurations and by Trump himself in 2017. The burgundy velvet-bound book, kept in the Library of Congress, carries a weight that extends beyond the pages inside. By using it, Trump is signaling his reverence for American tradition while making it clear that his presidency is rooted in the ideals of the past.

And there’s another layer of symbolism here. When Trump takes the oath inside the Capitol rotunda, he’ll be facing a bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the very holiday honoring King’s legacy. Love him or hate him, Trump knows how to make a statement, and this moment won’t go unnoticed. Whether it’s an olive branch or simply optics, it’s bound to spark conversation.

It’s worth noting that Trump isn’t the first president to double up on Bibles. Obama did the same thing in 2013, using both the Lincoln Bible and one owned by Martin Luther King Jr. But in true Trump fashion, this inauguration will have his unique stamp—after all, it’s not every day you see a man take the oath with a Bible his mom gave him nearly 70 years ago.

So, as the 60th Presidential Inauguration unfolds, expect Trump to bring a mix of personal history and national heritage to the swearing-in ceremony.