US president Donald Trump has announced plans for a national prayer event at the National Mall in May to “rededicate America as one nation under God” during the yearlong celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Trump discussed the event, dubbed the National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving and planned for May 17, during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5 as he touted his administration’s efforts to return “religion back” to the public arena.
“To support this exciting renewal, this morning I’m pleased to announce that on May 17, 2026, we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, to give thanks.”
“We’re going to rededicate America as one nation under God,” he added, drawing long applause from the crowd that prompted a response from the president. “That’s what I mean by the spirit ‒ so incredible to see it.”
Earlier this year, Trump launched the “America Prays” initiative ahead of the anniversary, asking Americans to pray for the country and its citizens. The White House published a 22-page document at the time to highlight the Christian roots of the country, which contained historical prayers, sermons, and presidential proclamations.
The president also announced new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, which seeks to protect religious speech and prayer in public schools. He said he expects the guidance to face lawsuits but told the crowd: “We’ll win it.”
He said the country is seeing a resurgence in the Christian faith and highlighted a rise in Bible sales in 2025 and a higher frequency of young people attending religious services.
When asked about church attendance rates, a spokesperson for the White House cited one study from the Barna Group as an example, which showed millennial and Generation Z Christians attending religious services at higher rates.