White House prayer rally blends Christianity with US 250th anniversary

On Sunday, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., hosted a large prayer rally organized by the White House, attracting thousands of participants. This gathering was part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary and aimed to reinforce the country’s Christian roots. However, critics labeled it a blatant expression of Christian nationalism, arguing it threatens the principle of church-state separation. Attendees enjoyed Christian music and listened to speeches from pastors and government leaders. Vice-President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contributed via video. President Donald Trump, in a short clip, recited a Bible verse about God promising to 'heal their land' if people 'turn from their wicked ways.' Speaker of the House Mike Johnson prayed against 'sinister ideologies' that attack the nation's 'history, heroes, and cherished moral and spiritual identity.'