Trump Recites 2 Chronicles 7:14 in Oval Office Video for 'America Reads The Bible' Marathon

Former President Donald Trump recorded a video message in the White House Oval Office on Tuesday in which he read a passage from 2 Chronicles — including the verse commonly cited as 2 Chronicles 7:14 — as part of a weeklong event promoted as a celebration of America's spiritual foundations.

The program, billed as America Reads The Bible, was described on its website as a "sacred opportunity to call our nation back to its spiritual foundation." The reading was livestreamed from Washington, D.C., by Great American Media, a Texas-based company that produces family and faith programming.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Organizers said the weeklong Bible-reading marathon was assembled by the Family Policy Alliance Foundation through its ministry, Christians Engaged. The foundation has advocated for policies such as defunding abortion providers and imposing limits on transgender medical care. The event's organizers also said other conservative public figures and allies were expected to take part.

Donald Trump in the state dining room of the White House on 21 April in Washington DC.(Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP)

Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, told Fox News Digital the initiative is meant to highlight the Bible's guidance for family life, mental health and civic renewal. "We're making a statement during this week as America reads the Bible, that there is so much in the Bible that we can gain wisdom and discernment from... that can rescue us from depression and anxiety and can heal our inner cities and heal our land," she said.

Trump's Oval Office appearance comes amid a string of controversies that have unsettled parts of his religious coalition. Earlier in April he drew heavy criticism after threatening severe action toward Iran while urging the country to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for oil tankers. The president then exchanged sharp public comments with the pope, provoking further debate among faith communities.

Separately, Trump faced backlash from some Christian allies after posting an AI-generated image that many critics viewed as portraying him in a messianic role; the post was later deleted. When questioned by reporters, Trump said he believed the image was intended to depict him as a doctor.

Despite past controversies — from inflammatory remarks to a hush-payment scandal — evangelical Christians remain a key segment of Trump’s political base. On the 2024 campaign trail he vowed to "bring back Christianity," and critics say his recent moves have blurred the line between church and state. Last year he established a Religious Liberty Commission to consider issues such as voluntary prayer in public schools and pastors' First Amendment rights; the panel is chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.