Christian author claims God chose Trump for White House ballroom project at Rededicate 250 event

WASHINGTON, DC: Christian author Eric Metaxas claimed that God “raised up” President Donald Trump for a purpose tied to the White House ballroom project during remarks at a national prayer event on Sunday, May 17.

Metaxas made the comments at the Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving event held on the National Mall, which marked the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence. The gathering brought together religious leaders and political figures who focused on themes linking faith and American history.

Trump also appeared via prerecorded video message, where he recited passages from the Old Testament rather than delivering a political address.

Eric Metaxas says God ‘raised up a great man’ for White House ballroom plan

During his speech, Eric Metaxas referenced the War of 1812 and the burning of Washington, DC, including damage to the White House.

“They burned parts of the city, including the White House, which at that time, if you can believe it, did not yet have a ballroom,” he said, prompting laughter from the crowd.

“It's hard to believe that it would take two centuries for the Lord to raise up a great man to bring that ballroom finally to stand where it needs to stand,” he added.

The White House ballroom proposal has become a recurring point of discussion in Trump’s second term. Trump has argued that the White House needs a larger event space and has said the project could cost about $400 million, with funding expected through private donations.

White House ballroom project sparks political and funding debate

The proposed ballroom at the White House has also drawn attention in policy discussions, particularly after Republicans attempted to attach related funding to a larger immigration and border security package.

Reports said the proposal included a $1 billion security-related allocation tied to the project, which was later removed after procedural issues were raised in the Senate.

Supporters have described the ballroom as a long-overdue upgrade for official state functions, while critics have questioned its cost and political timing.

Christian themes dominate Rededicate 250 national prayer event

The event on the National Mall featured multiple administration officials and religious leaders who described the United States as a nation shaped by Christianity.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referenced George Washington and called for Americans to pray “on bended knee.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also delivered a video address saying the country was founded on Christian ideals.

In his remarks, Rubio said, “It is no coincidence that America, from the very beginning, has occupied a unique and exceptional place in world history.”

He added, “From our country’s beginning, for as long as America has embodied freedom and exceptionalism, the soul of our nation has been rooted in the Christian faith.”

Another message shared from the event stated, “Today we gather, as our forefathers did on this day centuries ago, to rededicate our nation to God.”

Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, also criticized what he described as America’s “downward moral decline spiraling ever deeper into the mire.”

Trump’s own address avoided political remarks and instead focused on scripture from 1 Kings 9, which recounts God speaking to King Solomon after the construction of the Temple of Israel.