Trump reads Bible passage for 'Rededicate 250' prayer event in Washington D.C.

 

Attendees watch a pre-recorded video of US President Donald Trump reading from the Bible during “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving” on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2026.

Addressing a crowd of thousands, President Donald Trump read a Bible passage at the “Rededicate 250” prayer event on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

As part of the ongoing, nationwide celebrations for America’s 250^th anniversary, the all-day Sunday event hailed itself as a “national jubilee of prayer, praise and thanksgiving,” and featured a number of Republican politicians, faith leaders and others scheduled to speak.

In a pre-recorded video, Trump read a Bible passage from the book of 2 Chronicles concerning King Solomon’s dedication of the temple and God’s response. Solomon, the successor of King David, was a king in ancient Israel known for his wisdom, as well as for building the ornate temple and royal palace in Jerusalem. 

 

“‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself for a house of sacrifice…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,'” Trump said, quoting chapter 7 of 2 Chronicles.

 

President Donald J. Trump shares a message of faith with the tens of thousands of Americans gathered on the National Mall for Rededicate 250  pic.twitter.com/oDmUTRYh1M

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 17, 2026

According to the “Rededicate 250” webpage, the event was to focus on three pillars for the day, which included recognizing God’s presence and works in the past, present and future of the nation.

“Rededicate 250 will be rooted in giving thanks for God’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250,” the website stated.

 

Several officials in Trump’s cabinet were also expected to address the crowd, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who had recorded a video message played at the event. 

Hegseth referenced George Washington’s example of prayer, according to Fox News.

“Let us pray as he did. Let us pray without ceasing. Let us pray for our nation on bended knee. And let us ask our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as Washington did on that momentous day,” he said.