WASHINGTON — President Trump introduced Thursday {that a} huge prayer occasion might be held on the Nationwide Mall this coming Could — declaring it’s time “to rededicate America as one nation underneath God,” because the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this yr.
Trump revealed the occasion throughout remarks on the Nationwide Prayer Breakfast on the Washington Hilton, the place he additionally doubled down on his dedication to spiritual liberty within the US.
“This morning, I’m happy to announce that on Could 17, 2026, that we’re inviting People from all throughout the nation to return collectively on our Nationwide Mall, to wish, to provide thanks, to rededicate America as one nation underneath God,” the president mentioned.
Trump didn’t specify why Could 17 was chosen, nevertheless, shortly earlier than the Declaration of Independence, the colonial Congress had declared Could 17, 1776, a nationwide day of fasting and prayer.
Could 17 additionally comes a number of days after a number of Christian denominations have a good time the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
Trump additionally revealed that the Division of Training might be taking steps to guard prayer in public colleges.
“I’m additionally happy to announce that the Division of Training is formally issuing its new steering to guard the best to prayer in our public colleges,” Trump mentioned. “That’s an enormous deal.”
“Now the Democrats will sue us, however we’ll win.”
The Supreme Court docket dominated in 1962 that school-sponsored, obligatory prayer in public colleges violates the First Modification.
“This can be a lovely American custom, and it’s a real honor to be again,” Trump remarked concerning the Nationwide Prayer Breakfast.
“I feel I’ve been right here nearly each time. It’s onerous to show it down. I don’t have the braveness to show it down,” he continued.
“The final time I got here, I acquired in [to DC] at 4 within the morning. They mentioned, ‘Sir, you’re going to be talking at 7,’” he added. “I mentioned, ‘I’ll be there. I’m afraid to not be. I want all the assistance I can get.’”
At one other level, the president predicted that he’d make it to heaven whereas scolding the media for misunderstanding his prior joke final yr about not making the lower.
“I actually suppose I in all probability ought to make it,” he mentioned. “I imply, I’m not an ideal candidate, however I did a hell of lots of good.”
Trump additionally riffed about his international coverage pursuits, warfare, the Democrats, and defended his cupboard officers throughout his wide-ranging handle.
“They at all times wish to say, ‘Trump is a dictator.’ They love that. I’m not a dictator. However they had been like dictators. They had been just like the Gestapo,” Trump chided.
“They had been arresting individuals for going to church, and so they had been arresting individuals and treating individuals horribly,” he went on. “I made lots of amends to these individuals.”
Trump repeatedly crowed about a number of the profitable navy operations he authorised, such because the Jan. 3 raid to seize Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and the Christmas Day bombing of ISIS in Nigeria.
“I particularly advised Pete [Hegseth], I mentioned hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and never later,” the president recounted on the spiritual occasion. “And man did he hit them.”
He additionally defended his cupboard, boasting that “we now have an unbelievable bench” in his administration.
Trump scoffed on the questions he’s gotten from reporters about firing Secretary of Homeland Safety Kristi Noem, pointing to her monitor document on border safety and crime.
The president gave shoutouts to Legal professional Normal Pam Bondi and Director of Nationwide Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, defending her involvement within the raid on an election middle in Fulton County, Ga. final week.
