Hundreds of Faith Leaders at White House for National Day of Prayer Event 👉 Updatem News

The president said his administration was ‘bringing religion back to our country.’

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump hosted a National Day of Prayer event at the White House on May 1 under bright sunny skies, surrounded by blooming flowers in the Rose Garden.

“We’re bringing religion back to our country,” Trump said during the event. “It’s a big deal.”

The prayer gathering dates back centuries to the Continental Congress in 1775, with annual observances at the White House on the first Thursday in May since 1952, when the occasion was first designated by Congress.

Trump said the event, a centerpiece of the administration’s efforts to foster unity and spiritual reflection, is meant to “seek the help of the almighty,” honor spirituality, and underscore his commitment to revitalizing the role of faith in American public life.

A popular talk show host in attendance offered words of gratitude for the religious gathering.

“I can’t say how proud I am to see religion coming back to the White House,” Phil McGraw, known for his long-running “Dr. Phil” TV show, said during the event. “God bless you.”

Hundreds of faith leaders representing diverse religious backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus, among others, attended the event, which was held steps from the Oval Office.

The event featured moments of reflection, with prayers led by prominent religious figures, including a Hindu peace prayer and a Christian invocation, echoing the multi-faith approach seen in past observances.

One attendee was spotted wearing a yarmulke emblazoned with the words “fight, fight, fight.”

Organized by the newly formed White House Faith Office, some officials used the occasion to offer their favorite religious verses.

Administration officials highlighted the importance of religious liberty and reaffirmed the administration’s focus on protecting and promoting faith-based values.

“President Trump … [invites] Americans of all faiths across the country to join him in asking for God’s continued blessings over our great country,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a briefing on the morning of May 1.

Trump also signed an executive order during the event establishing a religious liberty commission.

Prior orders signed over the past three months include one addressing “anti-Christian bias” and another targeting a rise in anti-Semitism at colleges and universities nationwide.

Later in the day, Trump is holding a ceremonial swearing-in of billionaire restaurateur and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for the role of ambassador to Italy.

The president is then expected to fly to Alabama at 5 p.m. ET to deliver a commencement address in Tuscaloosa tonight at the University of Alabama.

Trump also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other lawmakers about legislative strategy, the budget, and what the president describes as a “big, beautiful bill” to codify tax cuts.

“If it doesn’t pass, your taxes are going to go up 68 percent, so think of it, 68, and this is a religious ceremony to me, but that’s part of the religion,” Trump said during the event.

“Because if your taxes go up 68 percent, you might give up your religion; you might have no choice.”

Original News Source Link – Epoch Times

Running For Office? Conservative Campaign Consulting – Election Day Strategies!