JD Vance warns America’s values could ‘crumble’ without foundation of faith at Rededicate 250 rally

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance warned that America could lose the values that “make us Americans” if the country’s faith foundation begins to “crumble,” during remarks at the "Rededicate 250" prayer rally in Washington, DC, where speakers and attendees celebrated Christianity’s role in the nation’s history amid criticism from opponents who view such events as promoting Christian nationalism.

Thousands gathered on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17, for the daylong event billed as a "rededication of our country as One Nation to God." Many attendees wore Trump hats and patriotic colors as worship music played near the Washington Monument.

JD Vance ties faith to foundation of American values

Speaking at the rally, JD Vance praised Americans for turning to prayer “in times of suffering and in times of triumph” throughout the country’s history.

“It was obvious to the founders that our faith was the ground upon which America stands — it was our very foundation as a people — and if this foundation were to crumble, so too would the very values that make us Americans,” the vice president stressed.

His remarks reinforced the event’s broader message linking Christianity to the nation’s identity and founding principles. 

Organizers framed the gathering as a moment to spiritually recommit the country ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.

The rally unfolded against a backdrop of large stained-glass-style displays depicting the nation’s founders alongside a white cross, while speakers repeatedly celebrated Christianity’s connection to American history.

Trump delivers Bible message at Rededicate 250 rally

President Donald Trump also appeared at the event through a prerecorded Oval Office video in which he read from the Book of 2 Chronicles, a passage often referenced by people who believe the US was founded as a Christian nation.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,” the Republican leader said in the video. 

The footage shown at the rally was previously used during a Bible-reading event last month, according to the background material provided.

Rededicate 250 attendees on importance of prayer rally

Attendees interviewed at the event described the gathering as spiritually and politically meaningful. “It’s all about Jesus,” Denny Smith, 72, of Rhode Island, said while attending the rally on the National Mall, reported PBS.

Retha Bond, 58, from southern Illinois, said the event represented something larger than politics despite her continued support for Trump.

“I’m not saying Trump is the savior,” Bond said. She added that “this is one of the most important things that could be going on in the world, for us to rededicate our nation back to God”.

Critics referenced in the background material argued ahead of the event that the gathering reflected themes associated with Christian nationalism, though speakers at the rally largely focused on prayer, worship, and the role of faith in American public life.