Thousands Gather for National Day of Prayer on 250th Anniversary
WASHINGTON — On Sunday, a significant crowd of Americans came together on the National Mall to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a prayer event that included sacred music and speeches from various faith leaders.
Earlier this year, President Trump designated May 17 as a national day of prayer, emphasizing a moment to “rededicate America as one nation under God,” which resonated strongly with evangelical communities.
“This event highlights the profound historical and moral foundations of our nation,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) shared during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” commenting on the substantial turnout in Washington, D.C.
Johnson remarked, “Recognizing our 250th anniversary in this way is fitting. Those who oppose it seem intent on erasing our religious history and ignoring our origins as a nation dedicated to God.”
Prominent political figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were set to address attendees both virtually and in person, with Mr. Johnson present on the ground.
Religious leaders participated by reading scripture and discussing the church’s role alongside the significance of faith in the American narrative. Most of those leading the celebration were conservative Protestants.
In an enthusiastic post on Truth Social, Trump expressed, “I hope everyone at Rededicate 250 is having a good time.” He also mentioned a person named Rachel D.C., who had recently returned from a trip to China, seemingly referring to Fox News’ Rachel Campos-Duffy, who covered the event.
Featured speakers included Evangelist Franklin Graham, Dr. Ben Carson, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Robert Barron, Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik, House Faith Bureau Leader Paula White-Cain, and Samuel Rodriguez from the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
However, the event drew criticism from those who argued it undermined the separation of church and state. The watchdog group Public Citizen stated that the “Jubilee” agenda appeared more aligned with Trump’s church interests than a traditional religious occasion.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized those who dismiss terms like “opposition” and Christian nationalism, claiming they seek to suppress the voice and influence of Christians, describing this attitude as “extremely inappropriate.”
The gathering on the National Mall was largely organized by Freedom250. The group expressed that the event aims to “give thanks for God’s presence in the lives of our people over 250 years of American history and seek His guidance for the next 250 years.”
Alongside their Christian celebrations, organizers also invited Jewish Americans to observe the “National Sabbath” from Friday evening through Saturday night.
The roots of May 17 as the National Day of Prayer trace back to early America, when the colonial Congress declared it for fasting and prayer just before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
