At the Museum of the Bible, President Donald J. Trump emphasized the enduring role of faith in America’s identity, highlighted his Administration’s unwavering defense of faith-based values, and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting our religious freedoms. The President also launched the America Prays initiative — a call for Americans to unite in prayer for the nation’s strength, peace, and prosperity as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches.
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."
- President Trump reaffirmed our nation’s founding principles: “When faith gets weaker, our country seems to get weaker. When faith gets stronger… good things happen for our country. It’s amazing the way it seems to work that way. Under the Trump Administration, we’re defending our rights and restoring our identity as a nation under God. We are One Nation Under God — and we always will be.”
- President Trump called for Americans to come together in prayer: “Next year, we will celebrate 250 years since that Declaration was signed. As part of the grand commemoration… we’ve invited America’s great faith communities to pray for our nation, for our people, and for peace in the world.”
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner announced that more than 70 faith organizations and churches have joined together to participate in the America Prays initiative: “Think about the miracles that would take place over the next year… the transformation that you and I could witness in communities all across the land.”
- President Trump previewed new rules protecting Americans’ right to pray in public schools: “I am pleased to announce this morning that the Department of Education will soon issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools.”
- President Trump highlighted the importance of faith in God: “To have a great nation, you have to have religion. I believe that so strongly. There has to be something after we go through all of this — and that something is God.”
- President Trump defended our American values of faith: “America has always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer and we will never apologize for our faith — ever, ever, never, never. We will never surrender our God-given rights. We will defend our liberties, our values, our sovereignty, and we will defend our freedom.”