President Trump's Prayer Initiative Draws Praise – And Outrage

President Trump is calling on Americans to lift their voices in prayer over the coming year ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. 

The initiative, called America Prays, was launched by President Trump at a recent event at the Museum of the Bible. 

“We will never surrender our God-given rights; we will defend our liberties, our values, our sovereignty, and we will defend our freedom,” said Trump at the event. “And with the help of amazing faith communities across the land… we will truly make this the golden age of America.”

Faith groups are cheering this idea, but not everyone is thrilled about the White House edict. 

The America Prays Initiative

America Prays

On its website, the White House explains the initiative in more detail. Specifically, here's what it says:

The Ask: What if one million Americans dedicated one hour a week to praying for our country and our people?

The Invitation: Will you join with at least 10 people to meet each week for one hour to pray for America?

The Opportunity: As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, this is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles that gave birth to this land of liberty. As George Washington famously said in his Farewell Address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”

This dedicated time of prayer is not only for our nation, but for its people because a nation is only as strong as its citizens.

One Sided Prayer?

Critics of the event point out that, for one, the prayer blitz is unapologetically Christian.

The White House website has recommendations for specific Christian scripture to open weekly prayer meetings. Their partner organizations are all Christian. And their 17 historical prayer examples, demonstrating faith’s formative role in American history, are Christian. 

From George Washington’s faith-filled orders to implement church services in military units, to Benjamin Franklin’s prayer at the Constitutional Convention, to Martin Luther King Jr.’s prayers for racial justice, the initiative paints a picture of an America where public and private life revolved around faith – and that faith was overwhelmingly Christian.

“America has always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer,” Trump stated at the event at the Museum of the Bible. “And we will never apologize for our faith. Ever, ever, never, never. We will never surrender our God-given rights.”

Is This an Endorsement of Christianity?

Secular advocates are outraged, calling this a direct endorsement of Christianity by the federal government. 

David Cole, former legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, says that the initiative may fly in the face of the Constitution, which prohibits the government from favoring one faith over another. It “raises serious constitutional questions,” he explained, stating that it “is directly in violation of, at a minimum, the spirit of the establishment clause.”

“What does this say to a Muslim, a Hindu, a Jew, an agnostic?” Cole pondered. “It tells them they are outsiders.”

“This commission isn’t about religious liberty; it’s about rejecting the nation’s religious diversity and prioritizing one set of Christian beliefs,” wrote Americans United for Separation of Church and State in a fiery rebuke.

“President Trump is using religion to promote his self-aggrandizement and political agenda, all the while perpetuating the lie that America is a Christian nation and that religion is under attack.”

On the other hand, many faith groups were thrilled by the announcement.

What is your reaction? Do you see America Prays as a genuine effort to unite people across the nation in faith and reflection ahead of the 250th anniversary? Or does it cross constitutional lines by endorsing a specific faith?