The event took place as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States and attracted numerous participants, many of whom were dressed in the colors of the U.S. flag. The White House described the day on the platform X as an “impressive day of prayer, praise, and patriotism.”
Among the speakers were many politically conservative, evangelical Protestants. U.S. Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the crowd either in person or virtually. Republicans such as House Mike Johnson were also present.
Critics accuse the U.S. government of promoting an image of the U.S. as a Christian nation by supporting such events and blurring the line between church and state. Historian Kevin Kruse from Princeton University told the “Washington Post” that there is a difference between stating that America is a nation with many Christians and claiming that America is a nation dedicated to and defined by Christianity.
The event was funded with millions of public dollars, which sparked additional controversy. Critics fear that such events further undermine the separation of church and state in the U.S.
