White House Organizes Mass Prayer Event to Reclaim US Christian Roots
Top Trump administration officials will address a mass prayer meeting in Washington, sparking debate over Christian nationalism.
The White House has organized a mass prayer event in Washington, scheduled for Sunday, which aims to 'reclaim the country's religious foundations.' The event will feature top Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
President Donald Trump is expected to address the crowd via video.
The gathering is part of a broader program of celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
In a video message inviting Americans to attend, Hegseth emphasized the opportunity to 'rededicate this republic to God and country.' This event reflects a growing prominence of muscular Christian nationalism since Trump's return to power, with evangelicals forming a core element of his support base.
Critics argue that the list of speakers, which includes almost all 20 listed 'faith leaders,' suggests an idea of American identity rooted in whiteness and Christianity.
They contend that the event sends a message that those who do not conform to this narrative are sidelined.
The National Mall, where the gathering is scheduled to last around nine hours, has been a site for numerous mass rallies and protests throughout history.
This includes the famous 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr., in which an estimated 250,000 people heard him deliver his 'I Have a Dream' speech.
The event's organizers argue that it aims to reconnect the nation with its Christian values and biblical foundations.
Paula White, head of the White House’s Faith Office and a spiritual adviser to Trump, has emphasized that this is about rededicating the country to God.
While previous administrations have held faith-based gatherings, Sunday's event stands out for its scale and the involvement of top government officials.
President Donald Trump is expected to address the crowd via video.
The gathering is part of a broader program of celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
In a video message inviting Americans to attend, Hegseth emphasized the opportunity to 'rededicate this republic to God and country.' This event reflects a growing prominence of muscular Christian nationalism since Trump's return to power, with evangelicals forming a core element of his support base.
Critics argue that the list of speakers, which includes almost all 20 listed 'faith leaders,' suggests an idea of American identity rooted in whiteness and Christianity.
They contend that the event sends a message that those who do not conform to this narrative are sidelined.
The National Mall, where the gathering is scheduled to last around nine hours, has been a site for numerous mass rallies and protests throughout history.
This includes the famous 1963 March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr., in which an estimated 250,000 people heard him deliver his 'I Have a Dream' speech.
The event's organizers argue that it aims to reconnect the nation with its Christian values and biblical foundations.
Paula White, head of the White House’s Faith Office and a spiritual adviser to Trump, has emphasized that this is about rededicating the country to God.
While previous administrations have held faith-based gatherings, Sunday's event stands out for its scale and the involvement of top government officials.
