Faith Is Stronger Than Ever in American Culture
This week was historic. President Donald Trump is standing more resolute than ever in his faith and in the guiding principle that has shaped America since its founding: “In God We Trust.” Addressing a distinguished audience this week at the National Prayer Breakfast in the heart of the Nation’s Capitol, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering belief in God’s providence that has sustained the nation, shaped its destiny, and spared his life.
A Nation Rooted in Faith
From the earliest days of the republic, faith in God has been the bedrock of America’s strength. Trump underscored this eternal truth, reminding Americans that religion must once again take center stage in American life.
“We have to bring religion back. We have to bring it back much stronger,” he declared, lamenting the nation’s drift from the values that once united it. Citing historical precedents, he noted that Thomas Jefferson himself attended Sunday services in the old House Chamber, a testament to the profound role faith has always played in American governance.
As Trump spoke, his words resonated with the spirit of the nation’s forefathers. He evoked the imagery of John Winthrop’s vision of America as a “city upon a hill,” a beacon of light for all nations. “Deep in the soul of every patriot is the knowledge that God has a special plan and a glorious mission for America,” he stated confidently. “And that plan is going to happen.”
Faith Strengthened Through Fire
Perhaps the most moving moment of his speech came when Trump alluded to his own near-death experience. Reflecting on the attempt on his life, he credited divine intervention for his survival.
“None of us knows exactly when our time on Earth will be over. You never know. A truth I confronted a few short months ago when there was an incident that wasn’t fun. It was not a good thing. But God was watching me.”
Trump described the improbability of his survival, echoing his sons’ assessment of the assailant’s close range: “The chances of missing from that range with that gun are … like a one-foot putt.”
His brush with death has only deepened his faith and his commitment to the nation’s founding principles. “Never give up. Never ever give up,” he exhorted, reminding the audience of the biblical mandate: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up.”
Honoring America’s Heroes and Heritage
Trump also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of remembering and celebrating the great figures of America’s history. Announcing an executive order to establish a new national park—the National Garden of American Heroes—he pledged to enshrine the legacies of the greatest Americans who ever lived, including the legendary evangelist Billy Graham.
“My father used to take me to watch the ‘Crusades’ … I remember it more than I remember any Yankee game, and I’ve seen a lot of Yankee games,” he recalled. “Billy didn’t have a bat, but he was pretty good.”
Trump’s words highlighted the enduring power of faith leaders like Graham, whose statue now stands in the Capitol with an open Bible, turned to Paul’s message in Galatians: “Let us not grow weary of doing good.”
White House Faith Office
Simultaneously this week Trump also established the White House Faith Office, appointing Pastor Paula White-Cain to lead the charge in restoring faith in God in our nation. President Trump announced the reestablishment of the White House Faith Office, appointing key faith leaders to guide its mission. White-Cain will serve as a Senior Advisor, bringing decades of experience in ministry, religious freedom advocacy, and faith-based leadership. Jennifer S. Korn, a seasoned political strategist and former White House official, returns as Deputy Assistant to the President and Faith Director. Jackson Lane, previously involved in faith outreach for the Trump-Vance campaign, will serve as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Faith Engagement. These appointments signal Trump’s commitment to strengthening faith’s role in American governance.
Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias
President Trump signed an executive order aimed at protecting religious freedom and ending what he calls the “anti-Christian weaponization of government.” The order reaffirms the First Amendment’s protections for faith-based Americans and condemns the previous administration’s actions, citing the Biden Justice Department’s prosecution of pro-life Christians. Trump highlighted cases of peaceful demonstrators, including elderly individuals and clergy, who faced federal charges for praying outside abortion clinics—prosecutions he overturned with pardons on January 23, 2025. The executive order signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding Christianity in the public square.
A Call to Action: Trust in God, Restore America
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Trump’s message is clear: America must return to its foundation of faith in God. His survival in the face of an assassin’s bullet is, in his view, evidence of divine protection and a call to continue the mission.
With his characteristic resolve, he issued a rallying cry to the nation: “We’re not going to be tearing down. We’re going to be building up.” The truth his faith has never been stronger, and he believes that with God’s guidance, America will stand taller and shine brighter than ever before.
“In God We Trust” is more than just a motto—it is the enduring heartbeat of the nation. And under Trump’s renewed vision, it will once again take its rightful place at the center of American life.