WASHINGTON — The National Mall was awash with thousands of Americans on Sunday as they gathered for a prayer festival, celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. This event featured a blend of religious music and speeches from a diverse range of faith leaders, emphasizing the nation’s spiritual heritage.
Earlier this year, President Trump designated May 17 as a national day of prayer, stating it was a moment to “rededicate America as one nation under God.” This proclamation resonated deeply with evangelical communities across the country.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) commented on the significance of this gathering during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” He explained, “This is a recognition of the deeply embedded history and religious and moral tradition of the country.” Johnson emphasized the importance of honoring this heritage on such a milestone anniversary, suggesting that those who oppose it are aiming to erase America’s foundational ties to faith.
The event attracted prominent political figures, including Johnson himself, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Each was expected to deliver remarks, either in person or via video, to the assembled worshippers.
Throughout the day, religious leaders took to the stage to read scripture and discuss the integral role of the church in America’s history, as well as the enduring significance of faith in national life. The event was predominantly headlined by conservative Protestant voices, underscoring their influential presence in the celebration.
Religious leaders read scripture and delivered remarks about the church’s role in American history as well as the importance of faith. Most of the leaders who headlined the feted gathering were conservative Protestants.
“I hope everybody at Rededicate 250 is having a good time,” Trump posted on Truth Social in all caps.
“If there is anything I can do to help, just have our beautiful, both inside and out, Rachel D.C. give me a call. I’m back from China!!,” he added, seemingly referencing Fox News’ Rachel Campos-Duffy, who was covering the event for Fox News.
Other key speakers included evangelist Franklin Graham, Dr. Ben Carson, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Robert Barron, Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, House Faith Office leader Paula White-Cain and National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Samuel Rodriguez.
The feted gathering was met with some protest activity from critics who argued it represented a blow to America’s tradition of separation of church and state.
“The agenda for this ‘jubilee’ reads less like a traditional religious event and more like a program for the Church of Trump,” the government watchdog group Public Citizen chided Friday.
Johnson blasted the “naysayers” and those who deride the term Christian nationalism, accusing them of “trying to silence the influence and the voices of Christians.”
“I think that’s wildly inappropriate,” he said.
The massive religious gathering on the National Mall was coordinated in large part by Freedom250, which claimed the event is intended to give “thanks for God’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250.”
In addition to the Christian-heavy display of religiosity, organizers encouraged Jewish Americans to observe a “national Sabbath” from late Friday through Saturday night.
The May 17 date for the national prayer days traces its origins to America’s early days.
Shortly before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the colonial Congress declared May 17, 1776, a national day of fasting and prayer.
