Thousands gather on National Mall for daylong prayer rally

Thousands gathered on the National Mall Sunday for a daylong prayer rally titled "One Nation Under God," featuring Christian speakers and worship music. The event, which included prominent Republican officials and was reportedly backed by the White House, aimed to rededicate the country. Critics expressed concern that the rally blurred the lines between church and state and promoted a narrow interpretation of faith, potentially betraying the nation's commitment to religious freedom. Speakers included Senator Tim Scott and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with a video message from Donald Trump expected. The event anticipated around 15,000 attendees, while the article notes over a quarter of Americans are religiously unaffiliated.

Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for "Rededicate 250," a prayer rally focused on the United States' 250th anniversary. The event, which featured Christian worship music and speakers, was billed as a "rededication of our country as One Nation under God." Notable attendees and speakers included President Donald Trump (via video message), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. The rally was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by the White House. Progressive groups and religious leaders expressed concerns that the event promoted a narrow interpretation of faith and potentially undermined religious freedom, while others highlighted America's diverse religious history.