Thousands Gather for Prayer Rally in Washington to Promote Christian Nationalism

Thousands of people converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a prayer rally dedicated to the renewal of the United States as a nation under God. The event was held near the Washington Monument, with Christian worship music filling the air. The stage backdrop displayed stained-glass windows and columns, portraying the nation’s founders alongside a white cross.

The rally celebrated Christianity’s historical ties to America, which some critics argue supports Christian nationalism. President Donald Trump participated via a video message, reading a passage from 2 Chronicles in the Oval Office. The scripture is frequently cited by those who view America as founded on Christian principles. Trump read, “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 event, named ‘Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving’, saw attendees displaying flags and other symbols of Christian nationalism. Among the key figures present were top Republicans like Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Of the participants, only one was not of the Christian faith.

Critics, like Rev. Adam Russell Taylor of Sojourners, express concern that the event represents a narrow view of Christianity that contradicts America’s core commitment to religious freedom. Speakers included prominent evangelical supporters of Trump and highlighted the belief that the U.S. was established as a Christian nation. Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner emphasized the historical diversity of religious beliefs in early America.

Despite the heat, the crowd wore Trump merchandise and patriotic colors. Denny Smith from Rhode Island felt the focus was on Jesus, while Retha Bond from Illinois, a Trump supporter, viewed the rally as crucial to reclaiming the nation for God.

Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik stood as the sole non-Christian leader on the program. His participation alongside Catholic leaders like Cardinal Timothy Dolan underscored the religious diversity at the rally. The rally included mentions of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, inspiring attendees such as 15-year-old Alessandra Seawright from New Mexico.

The rally drew protests from groups advocating for the separation of church and state. These included the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Faithful America, who staged counter-events. They displayed symbolic protest materials, like a balloon resembling a golden calf, near the rally site.

Pentagon leader Pete Hegseth, who often uses Christian references, encouraged attendees to pray for the nation, citing the faith of George Washington. The event, organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership, faced scrutiny from congressional Democrats over its nonprofit status and connections to Trump.