Thousands flock to National Mall in Washington for America-themed prayer rally

US May 18, 2026

BY TANIYA SINGH

A person worships as a recorded video message from President Donald Trump plays at Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, on the National Mall, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Thousands attended a Christian-themed prayer rally in Washington where President Donald Trump recited a Bible passage in a prerecorded Oval Office message, as supporters celebrated faith and patriotism while critics raised concerns over Christian nationalism.

5 Photos

1 / 5

IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Faith and patriotism take center stage in Washington

Thousands gathered on the National Mall for the “Rededicate 250” prayer rally, held against the backdrop of the Washington Monument. The event blended worship music, patriotic imagery and Christian messaging.

2 / 5

IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Trump recites scripture in Oval Office video

Trump appeared in a prerecorded message reading verses from 2 Chronicles, telling attendees: “If my people… shall humble themselves, and pray… then will I hear from heaven.”

3 / 5

IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Critics push back against Christian nationalism

Progressive faith groups and civil rights advocates criticized the rally, arguing it blurred the separation of church and state. Protesters also displayed a Trump-like golden calf balloon near the venue.

4 / 5

IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Supporters call rally a moment of national rededication

Attendees wearing patriotic colors and MAGA hats described the event as a powerful show of faith, with many saying America needed to return “back to God.”

5 / 5

IMAGE SOURCE: AP PHOTO

Top Republicans join the prayer gathering

Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among prominent Republican figures featured during the event.

Thousands flock to National Mall in Washington for America-themed prayer rally

Faith and patriotism take center stage in Washington

Trump recites scripture in Oval Office video

Critics push back against Christian nationalism

Supporters call rally a moment of national rededication

Top Republicans join the prayer gathering

MORE GALLERIES

Kai Trump stuns in dreamy satin gown during glamorous Scotland getaway

'I would speak to Hezbollah': Trump makes surprise remark during Lebanese President's visit

Zendaya's 3-word reply to fan's marriage proposal after Tom Holland wedding steals spotlight at 'Spider-Man 4' event

FIFA Probe: Argentina players who could face punishment after World Cup Final brawl

Trump's biggest midterm bets: 5 candidates he is backing in 2026

Karoline Leavitt enjoys night out at Baltimore concert on eve of Trump’s World Cup Final appearance

Melania, Queen Letizia and Ivanka lead best style moments from World Cup Final

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum joins Trump at World Cup final VIP suite weeks after slamming expensive tickets

Inside Trump family’s World Cup Final: Ivanka, Lara and Tiffany share candid photos from big day

Madonna's FIFA World Cup halftime show gets surprise boost from Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho

Jason Sudeikis revives Ted Lasso to give Justin Bieber surprise intro at FIFA World Cup halftime show

Tom Cruise steals the show at 2026 FIFA World Cup final with inspiring speech and surprise Elmo meet-up

Trump hands Messi his medal, joins Spain's World Cup celebration and other memorable moments from the Final

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders reunite at high-energy Detroit rally

Justin Bieber makes surprise appearance at Fanatics Fest ahead of FIFA halftime show

Richard Gere, 76, spotted filming new romantic drama with much-younger onscreen love interest Diana Silvers, 28

Ivanka Trump shares stunning photos of daughter Arabella on her 15th birthday: 'My extraordinary girl'

Photos show NYC skyline disappear behind Canadian wildfire smoke ahead of World Cup Final

Mamdani watches World Cup match with Rikers inmates, months after proposing $22M cut to NYPD hiring budget

Inside Trump's National Address overshadowed by his teleprompter operator's $100K betting scandal