President Trump Leads Historic National Day of Prayer, Unveils Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty
The White House Rose Garden hosted a historic National Day of Prayer on Thursday, marked by a vibrant celebration of faith and hope for America. President Donald Trump, joined by prominent faith leaders, government officials, and distinguished guests, emphasized the importance of religious liberty and the role of faith in America’s future. The event, held under clear skies, was described by the President as a day “we could not have asked for a more beautiful day than this.”
A Historic Gathering
President Trump opened the event, stating, “It’s a great honor and I’m delighted to welcome you to this very special place, the White House, to celebrate the annual National Day of Prayer, and we’re doing it up big. This is the first time they’ve done it this way, and you deserve it. We all deserve the White House.” He underscored the significance of faith, declaring, “We’re bringing back religion in our country, and we’re bringing it back quickly and strongly because for America to be a great nation, we must always be one nation under God.”
The President highlighted the presence of key figures, including Speaker Mike Johnson, whom he thanked for his “incredible faith” and work on a “great big beautiful bill” aimed at delivering historic tax cuts. Trump noted, “These will be the biggest tax cuts in American history with 100% expensing… increasing take-home pay for the typical family by thousands of dollars a year.” He also emphasized policies like no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security for seniors, and deductions for interest on American-made cars.
A Commitment to Religious Liberty
A central theme of the event was the protection of religious freedom. President Trump announced the signing of an executive order to create a Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, with Dr. Ben Carson as vice-chair. The commission includes notable figures like Dr. Phil McGraw, Bishop Robert Barron, Pastor Paula White, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, in his remarks, praised the President, saying, “Thank you, Mr. President, for establishing what I think will be one of the most important presidential commissions in history… You are restoring the hopes and the prayers of millions upon millions of believers of all faiths.” He added, “There’s never been a president who has invoked the name of Jesus more than you.”
Pastor Paula White, Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office, highlighted the office’s achievements: “In just the last hundred days, over a thousand faith leaders have come into the White House… We’ve had an Iftar dinner, a Passover, an Easter, many briefings, listening sessions, working sessions.” She emphasized the administration’s commitment to defending religious liberty and combating anti-Semitism and anti-Christian bias.
Prayers for
The event featured prayers from faith leaders including Bishop Robert Barron, Rabbi Levi Shemtov, and Paula White.
Pastor Paula White shared, “We are here because we understand the power of prayer.” The lead of the White House Office of Faith declared, “Prayer is not a religious act. It is a national necessity.” White highlighted the role of the President in restoring faith back on the center of our nation. “Faith has not been pushed aside, it has been brought to where it belongs, center.”
Bishop Robert Barron invoked, “Heavenly Father, Sovereign King… we praise you especially today for religious liberty, which has been reverenced from the very beginning of our republic as our first freedom.”
Dr. Phil McGraw, a commission member, shared, “I’ve sat with President Trump with no cameras around, nobody listening… This is a man of deep faith, a man of deep conviction… He wants this country to have a heart and have religion.”
A Call for National Renewal
President Trump reflected on America’s spiritual heritage, citing the Continental Congress’s 1775 call for fasting and prayer and John Adams’s words: “Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great creator, imploring his forgiveness and blessing.” He connected this legacy to the present, saying, “Today, more than two and a half centuries later, in the heart of a free and proud America, we rejoice that God answered those prayers.”
The President also addressed global challenges, expressing solidarity with the parents of Edan Alexander, noting, “We’re working very, very hard to save your son.” He condemned the October 7th attack by Hamas, stating, “That’s an attack that would have never happened… Iran had no money when I was president.”
A Worship Experience
The event concluded with a stirring performance of “Great Are You Lord” and “Amazing Grace” by musicians, as President Trump signed the executive order for the commission. He remarked, “This was a great honor, this was a great day… We’re bringing back religion in our country, and we’re bringing it back as I say, bigger and better and stronger than ever before.”
The National Day of Prayer in the Rose Garden was a powerful testament to the administration’s commitment to faith and religious freedom. As Speaker Mike Johnson noted, “We are reminded of the admonitions of the founding fathers… that of all dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” With the new Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, the administration aims to safeguard this legacy for generations to come.
