Prayer Rally at National Mall Sparks Debates on Christian Nationalism

Thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a prayer rally focused on the theme of rededicating the nation as “One Nation under God.” The event featured worship music and depictions of the nation’s founders alongside a white cross, highlighting its Christian focus.

President Donald Trump participated via a video message from the Oval Office, where he read from a passage in 2 Chronicles, a scripture often cited by proponents of the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation. The segment included prominent Republicans like Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Critics, including Rev. Adam Russell Taylor of Sojourners, expressed concern that the rally supported a narrow interpretation of Christianity that conflicts with the nation’s commitment to religious freedom. Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner emphasized America’s history of religious diversity, including Jews, Muslims, and Indigenous people.

Attendees expressed their support for the event’s message. Denny Smith, from Rhode Island, described the event as centered on Jesus. Retha Bond, from Illinois, expressed her belief in the importance of rededicating the nation to God, while Alessandra Seawright, a teenager from New Mexico, attended with her mother to support conservative Christian beliefs.

During the event, Hegseth encouraged the crowd to pray for the nation, citing George Washington’s faith. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, the only non-Christian speaker, condemned antisemitism and acknowledged his role on the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission alongside other prominent religious leaders.

The event was organized by Freedom 250, a coalition supported by the White House. Congressional Democrats have raised concerns about its structure and funding, suggesting it might circumvent established semiquincentennial planning commissions.

Meanwhile, progressive groups organized protests nearby. They included the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Faithful America, displaying a balloon mocking idolatry and projecting protest slogans on the National Gallery of Art, emphasizing the importance of separating church and state.