White House to Host 'Rededicate 250' Prayer Festival on National Mall — Evangelical Leaders, Trump Officials to Speak

The White House will host "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving", an all-day prayer festival on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17, as part of the federal America 250/Freedom 250 anniversary program. Organizers describe the event as a national moment to give thanks and to "rededicate" the United States as "One Nation Under God."

Event Details

The program invites attendees to "join with neighbors and friends from every state in the Union in giving thanks and praise to God for 250 years of His Providence for the United States, in praying that God Bless and Protect America for the next 250 years, and in solemnly rededicating our country as One Nation under God." Organizers say the day will include speeches, music, and storytelling aimed at highlighting religious themes in American history.

Speakers and Participants

The roster mixes high-profile religious figures and senior Trump administration officials. Prominent evangelical Protestant leaders expected to participate include Franklin Graham, Liberty University chancellor Jonathan Falwell, and Pastor Paula White, who serves as a senior faith adviser to the White House. Administration speakers listed for the event include Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. President Donald Trump is not expected to attend in person and will instead send a recorded video message.

Pastor Paula White prays over Donald Trump in the White House Rose Garden on May 1, 2025Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Controversies and Criticism

Critics have raised concerns about the event's emphasis on evangelical leaders and the blending of religious observance with government-sponsored activities. Some observers point to the predominance of evangelical participants as evidence that the celebration favors a particular religious tradition rather than reflecting the nation’s broader religious diversity.

At the center of recent debate is Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has hosted monthly prayer sessions at the Pentagon led by evangelical clergy. During a March service, Hegseth prayed: "Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation," language that drew sharp criticism for invoking violent retribution.

Context: Trump, Faith and the 2024 Assassination Attempt

President Trump, who will offer a video message, has spoken publicly about his spiritual life and whether he will "get into heaven." At the National Prayer Breakfast in February, he said, "I just don't think I qualify," while also asserting he had done "more for religion than any other president." Last year, Trump referenced his July 2024 assassination attempt in fundraising emails that invoked his belief that God spared him to "make America great again."

What To Watch

Observers will be watching how the event balances its religious messaging with constitutional concerns about church-state separation, the tone of remarks by government officials, and whether the event’s focus will broaden to include a wider range of faith traditions. The high-profile lineup and the choice of the National Mall make this a major moment in the larger America 250 commemorations.