Story perspectives

Trump Backs “America Prays” as Historians Debate Christian Roots

5/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting the “America Prays” initiative, a May 17, 2026 Mall gathering, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserts America was founded as a Christian nation.
Historian Gregg Frazer notes the Constitution contains no biblical citations and was shaped by Enlightenment ideas rather than religious doctrine.
Historian Mark David Hall argues Christian concepts of human dignity and sin influenced the founders’ checks-and-balances design and early public prayers.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting the “America Prays” initiative, a May 17, 2026 Mall gathering, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserts America was founded as a Christian nation.
Historian Gregg Frazer notes the Constitution contains no biblical citations and was shaped by Enlightenment ideas rather than religious doctrine.
Historian Mark David Hall argues Christian concepts of human dignity and sin influenced the founders’ checks-and-balances design and early public prayers.