Rededicate 250: Trump Administration’s Prayer Festival on the National Mall

The Rededicate 250 festival will take place on May 19, 2026 on the National Mall. Organized by Freedom 250, a White House-backed program marking the 250th anniversary, it is billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God.” President Trump will send a recorded video message.

New York Times

Nineteen leaders are listed, eighteen Christian. Notable speakers include worship leader Chris Tomlin, Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, evangelical influencer Sadie Robertson Huff, and White House adviser Paula White-Cain. Catholic bishops Robert Barron, Timothy Dolan and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik are included. Government speakers are Speaker Mike Johnson (Southern Baptist), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Catholic) and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (evangelical). The roster remains provisional.

NPR

A Pew poll of 3,592 adults (May 14) shows 17 % favor a Christian-nation declaration, 31 % view Christian nationalism unfavorably, 10 % favorably. Fifty-two percent say conservative Christians have gone too far; eight-in-ten oppose churches endorsing candidates. Margin of error ±1.9 pp.

Vox

Freedom 250 calls the event “a historic moment to rededicate our country as one nation under God.” Senior adviser Brittany Baldwin says the festival aims to “hope and pray” for renewal, and Trump campaign says the president has “done more for religion than any other president.” Bishop Robert Barron argues that “the marginalization of God… is a true threat to democracy,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent Pentagon prayer invoked “violence against the enemies of righteousness,” linking faith to policy. Critics say the gathering “advances Christian nationalism rather than religious freedom” (Americans United for Separation of Church and State) and lacks religious diversity, noting Muslim presence since the colonial era (Council on American-Islamic Relations). Interfaith Alliance will project “Democracy NOT Theocracy” and “Reject Christian Nationalism” on the National Gallery. NPR reports the speaker list is unfinished; no confirmation exists that President Trump will attend in person.

NPR

• “if you marginalize and privatize religion, democracy is in danger.” — Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic Bishop

Fox News (website)

• “To the extent that President Trump has a rally that explicitly espouses Christian nationalism, he's not going to get very far beyond, perhaps, the people at the rally,” — John Green, Professor Emeritus, University of Akron

NPR

• “We hope and pray that this will be a historic moment to rededicate our country as one nation under God,” — Brittany Baldwin, Senior Policy Adviser, America 250 program

New York Times

• “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” — Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense

People Magazine

The festival takes place May 19, followed by a virtual press briefing by progressive faith leaders on May 20. Freedom 250’s schedule also includes a July 4 fireworks celebration and further faith-focused events through summer, expected to draw both supporters and protesters.

New York Times