Trump announces May 17 National Mall prayer event to 'rededicate America'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, Feb 5, announced plans for a massive national prayer event on the National Mall this May, saying the gathering will serve as a moment to “rededicate America as one nation under God” as the country marks its 250th birthday in 2026.

The event is scheduled for May 17, 2026, and is expected to draw participants from across the country.

“This morning, I’m pleased to announce that on May 17, 2026, that we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall, to pray, to give thanks, to rededicate America as one nation under God,” Trump said during his remarks.

Trump ties prayer event to America’s founding and faith

During his address, Trump framed the National Mall prayer gathering as part of a broader reflection on America’s origins and spiritual identity, repeatedly linking faith with the country’s founding ideals.

Calling the National Prayer Breakfast “a beautiful American tradition,” Trump said it was an honor to return once again.

“I think I’ve been here just about every time. It’s hard to turn it down. I don’t have the courage to turn it down,” he said.

He also shared a personal anecdote about attending the breakfast despite a packed schedule. “The last time I came, I got in [to DC] at 4 in the morning. They said, ‘Sir, you’re going to be speaking at 7,’” Trump recalled. “I said, ‘I’ll be there. I’m afraid not to be. I need all the help I can get.’”

At one point, Trump joked about his own spiritual standing while addressing last year’s media coverage of comments he had made. “I really think I probably should make it,” he said, referring to heaven. “I mean, I’m not a perfect candidate, but I did a hell of a lot of good.”

Education Department to issue new guidance on school prayer

Trump also used the platform to announce a policy move involving public schools, saying the Department of Education would issue new guidance aimed at protecting prayer.

“I’m also pleased to announce that the Department of Education is officially issuing its new guidance to protect the right to prayer in our public schools,” Trump said. “That’s a big deal.”

Anticipating legal challenges, the president added, “Now the Democrats will sue us, but we’ll win.”

Mandatory, school-sponsored prayer has long been barred in public schools following a 1962 Supreme Court ruling that found such practices violate the First Amendment.

Trump defends record, attacks critics, praises cabinet

Trump’s wide-ranging speech also touched on foreign policy, military actions, and his administration’s leadership, often veering into criticism of Democrats and the media.

“They always like to say, ‘Trump is a dictator.’ They love that. I’m not a dictator,” he said, before accusing past leaders of authoritarian behavior. “They were like dictators. They were like the Gestapo.”

He claimed people were “arresting people for going to church” and said he had “made a lot of amends to those people.”

The president also praised recent military operations he approved, including a January 3 raid targeting Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro and a Christmas Day bombing of ISIS targets in Nigeria.

“I specifically told Pete [Hegseth], I said hit them on Christmas Day, not earlier and not later,” Trump said. “And man did he hit them.”

Trump defended his cabinet, saying, “We have an unbelievable bench,” while dismissing questions about firing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

He also praised Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, backing her role in a recent raid on an election center in Fulton County, Georgia.