On Sunday, the National Mall became the site of Rededicate 250, a gathering of predominantly conservative Christians celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event featured worship music, speeches by members of the Trump administration, and prayers led by religious figures. Organized by Freedom 250 in partnership with the White House, the event aimed to give thanks for divine guidance, reflect on the nation’s history, and reaffirm America’s identity as “One Nation under God.”
Among the 19 faith leaders scheduled to speak, 18 were Christian, largely evangelical. Notable speakers included Paula White-Cain from the White House faith office, the Rev. Franklin Graham, Bishop Robert Barron, and Rabbi Meir Soloveichik of Congregation Shearith Israel, the sole non-Christian speaker. President Trump, absent from the event due to golfing, delivered a video message reading from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also sent video messages.
House Speaker Mike Johnson led a prayer, asking for divine courage and favor to safeguard the republic, emphasizing that “our rights do not derive from the government.” Grammy-winning Christian musician Chris Tomlin performed during the gathering.
The event faced criticism for advancing Christian nationalism and blurring the separation between church and state. The Interfaith Alliance, a coalition supporting religious freedom, projected messages on the National Gallery of Art criticizing the event. Rachel Laser, of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, labeled it a platform for Christian nationalism rather than a genuine celebration of prayer and religious diversity.
Laser emphasized the importance of maintaining church-state separation as crucial to fostering religious diversity in America. She criticized the event as part of a campaign to impose a singular Christian interpretation on the nation.
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