Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration is set to host a nine-hour prayer festival on the National Mall this weekend centered on what organizers describe as America’s Christian foundations, prompting both support from religious conservatives and criticism from church-state separation advocates.
The event, titled “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving,” is tied to celebrations marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and is partially funded through federal dollars allocated for the commemoration effort. Organizers say the gathering aims to encourage national renewal through faith and prayer.
Scheduled speakers include House Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and several evangelical Christian leaders. President Donald Trump is expected to participate through a prerecorded video message rather than attending in person.
Critics argue the event blurs constitutional lines between religion and government by heavily emphasizing conservative Protestant Christianity. Amanda Tyler of the Baptist Joint Committee said the festival presents a “false picture” of the United States as an exclusively Christian nation and raises First Amendment concerns.
Supporters counter that the gathering reflects the historical religious beliefs of many early American leaders and is voluntary rather than coercive. Organizers also said representatives from other faith traditions would participate in a more limited capacity.
The event comes as debates continue nationally over religion’s role in public life, education, and government institutions during Trump’s second term.
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