President Donald Trump and a slate of top administration officials joined thousands of Americans on the National Mall on Sunday for a large prayer rally celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday — turning the iconic Washington backdrop into a sea of worship music, patriotic colors and messages of faith.
The event, called “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving,” drew crowds for an afternoon centered on prayer, praise and a renewed focus on America’s spiritual roots ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.
The theme of the gathering, organizers said, was reaffirming the United States as “One Nation Under God.”
The lineup featured some of the biggest names in Republican politics and Christian leadership. President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker Mike Johnson all delivered remarks alongside faith leaders and public figures.
In a prerecorded message, Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7, sharing the familiar verse calling for humility and prayer.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face…” Trump said, reading the scripture passage that speaks of forgiveness and healing.
Vance described the United States as “a nation of prayer,” arguing that faith has helped shape the country from its earliest days.
“In times of suffering and in times of triumph, millions of Americans continue to turn to prayer and their faith in God,” Vance said.
Rubio also tied the country’s identity to its religious heritage.
“From the beginning, we have carried the belief that our country represents something new in the world,” Rubio said. “But the soul of our nation has always been rooted in an ancient faith.”
Gabbard encouraged attendees to approach the nation’s future with humility, saying America’s founders sought divine guidance before declaring independence.
According to Fox News reporting, Alveda King also praised Trump for encouraging Americans to “rededicate America to God,” saying the country was founded on godly principles.
The event brought together a broad collection of religious leaders and performers, including Timothy Dolan, Robert Barron, Meir Soloveichik, evangelist Franklin Graham and Christian music star Chris Tomlin.
Many attendees arrived decked out in red, white and blue as crowds stretched across the National Mall — creating an atmosphere that mixed worship service, patriotic celebration and an early kickoff to America’s 250th birthday festivities.
Freedom 250, the nonprofit organization behind the gathering, says the event is part of a broader effort leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration on July 4, 2026.
