Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony has become a hot topic of discussion after he chose not to place his hand on a Bible while taking the oath of office.

While Trump's decision has drawn widespread attention, it is not without precedent. Historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and Calvin Coolidge also refrained from using a Bible during their oath-taking ceremonies. Theodore Roosevelt followed suit in 1901, and John Quincy Adams swore his oath on a book of law rather than a religious text.

Despite these exceptions, the tradition of swearing on a Bible has become deeply ingrained in American political culture. Many presidents have chosen meaningful family Bibles or significant historical texts, such as the Lincoln Bible, famously used by President Barack Obama during his 2009 and 2013 inaugurations. Interestingly, Trump had access to both a family Bible and the Lincoln Bible during his ceremony but opted not to make physical contact with either.

Trump's unconventional choice has reignited a broader debate about the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. For some, the use of a Bible during the oath symbolizes the country’s Christian heritage. For others, it raises questions about the separation of church and state.

Regardless of where people stand on the issue, Trump’s decision has sparked a wave of conversation, challenging deeply rooted traditions and inviting a fresh examination of the role of faith in the nation's political sphere.