President Trump calls for one million Americans to join a massive prayer rally on the National Mall, rededicating the nation to God and countering years of faith-eroding leftist policies.
Story Highlights
- Trump announces May 17, 2026, prayer rally on Washington D.C.’s National Mall as part of “America Prays” initiative for the 250th anniversary.
- White House targets one million weekly prayer participants, invoking founders like Washington on religion’s role in prosperity.
- Builds on Trump’s National Prayer Breakfast speech, declaring “America is, and always will be, One Nation Under God.”
- Over 40 faith groups, including Southern Baptist Convention and Focus on the Family, partner to mobilize conservatives.
- Reverses prior administration’s attacks on religious liberty, promoting family values and cultural renewal.
Rally Announcement Details
President Donald Trump announced a major prayer rally for May 17, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event invites Americans nationwide to participate in prayer and thanksgiving. This forms part of the broader “America Prays” initiative to rededicate the United States as “one nation under God” ahead of the semiquincentennial in 2026. Trump personally extended the invitation, emphasizing spiritual renewal tied to the nation’s founding.
Historical Roots and Initiative Launch
The call originated in Trump’s July 3, 2025, Iowa speech, where he first urged rededication to “one nation under God.” The White House launched “America Prays” in early 2026 with official resources, including the ACTS prayer model, scripture suggestions, and weekly challenges. This campaign, proclaimed as “A Year of Celebration and Rededication, 2026,” cites George Washington’s Farewell Address. Washington described religion and morality as indispensable supports for political prosperity and national freedom.
Trump’s effort contrasts sharply with prior policies seen as hostile to faith, such as restrictions on religious expression. The initiative positions prayer as foundational to America’s 250 years of success, appealing directly to conservatives frustrated by woke agendas and government overreach that sidelined traditional values.
National Prayer Breakfast Momentum
On February 5, 2026, Trump spoke at his sixth National Prayer Breakfast in D.C. He touted victories like arrests of church disruptors and policy shifts against Iran, while joking about faith and military vigilance. Trump stated, “I don’t know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat,” and reaffirmed, “America is, and always will be, One Nation Under God.” The White House highlighted free speech wins and fights against campus antisemitism.
These remarks amplified the rally’s message, building on Trump’s first-term religious liberty defenses. The event underscored reversals of divisive policies from the Biden era, restoring protections for conservative values and family-centered faith practices.
Stakeholders and Grassroots Mobilization
Over 40 organizations support the rally, including Salem Media Group, Samaritan’s Purse, Southern Baptist Convention, Pray.com, Hallow, Focus on the Family, and Faith and Freedom Coalition. Influencers like Eric Metaxas, Jack Posobiec, Alex Bruesewitz, and Rogan O’Handley drive participation. Trump leverages evangelical networks and Christian media such as CBN and K-LOVE for outreach.
Trump Announces May Prayer Rally In Washington https://t.co/JAAesTo5gC pic.twitter.com/H11DuG5PBP
— NDTV WORLD (@NDTVWORLD) February 5, 2026
The White House America250 page hosts resources to recruit one million weekly prayer participants through apps and churches. This mass gathering differs from annual events like the Prayer Breakfast, aiming for patriotic renewal amid semiquincentennial preparations.
Impacts on Conservative Values
Short-term, the rally mobilizes Trump’s evangelical base, fostering nationwide prayer groups and boosting 2026 celebration momentum. Long-term, it reinforces “one nation under God” in policy, influencing religious freedom narratives. Socially, it promotes family-focused prayer and cultural renewal, countering declines in religiosity under past leftist governance.
Politically, it strengthens GOP alliances while highlighting divides, as Trump’s remarks suggest. Economically, it elevates Christian media and apps like Pray.com. Conservatives see this as a victory against globalism and overspending, realigning America with founding principles of individual liberty and limited government.
Sources:
Trump to ‘Rededicate’ Americans to God with Prayer Rally on National Mall.
White House America Prays page
