Thousands of people gathered in Washington on Sunday for a “National Prayer March” where several Trump administration officials were present, seen by some as a quasi-official showcase of Christian nationalism.
This movement has gained significant prominence since Donald Trump returned to power, notably through speeches by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a member of an ultra-conservative evangelical church.
On the National Mall, just steps away from the centers of power in the American capital, the audience endured the sweltering heat to watch the proceedings on a stage adorned with stained glass windows depicting the founding of the United States, celebrating its 250 years. The agenda included sermons, speeches, patriotic and religious songs.
Attendees, including elderly individuals and families with children, wearing USA-themed fans, flags, and Donald Trump t-shirts, prayed to Christian rock music with their hands raised to the sky.
A brief pre-recorded video of the American president reading a passage from the Bible in the Oval Office was projected and applauded by believers.
According to William Lodge, who traveled from Michigan, President Trump will “rededicate this country to God, whom we firmly believe is the origin of our nation.”
Pastor Gary Hamrick from Virginia stated that the United States is in a “spiritual warfare.” Pete Hegseth, earlier in the day, recalled an episode from the American War of Independence in a video, urging the crowd to “pray without ceasing” for the United States, following the example of founding father George Washington.
Vicky Moon, 37, praised Mike Johnson and Pete Hegseth’s speeches, expressing happiness that they are “redirecting our army towards Christ.” Wyatt Biagini, 21, called it a “historic moment” and “really important for our country.”
Organizers distributed “religious freedom 250” branded bags containing the Ten Commandments and a book titled “Fall and Rebirth of Jerusalem.”
Regarding the term “Christian nationalism,” Sam Perry, a rhetoric expert at Baylor University in Texas, noted that although it is common for evangelical pastors to associate Christianity with nationalism, it is highly unusual for members of the American administration to participate. He highlighted the promotion of an American identity rooted in white Christianity or European roots by the Trump administration.
Julie Ingersoll, a religious studies professor at the University of North Florida, pointed out that neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution mention religion, God, or Jesus.
She believes the event sends a message that Christianity is exclusive to “traditional Americans,” excluding other religions or atheists.
Sam Perry suggested that this is more about a political movement using religion to justify certain positions, especially anti-immigration measures, rather than a revival of a particular form of Christianity.
Mike Johnson responded to critics labeling “Christian nationalism” as derogatory and vilifying, stating on Fox News that they are attempting to silence Christian influence and voices.
Notable attendees included former New York archbishop Timothy Dolan, conservative thinker, Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress from Texas, close to President Trump, and evangelical pastor Samuel Rodriguez who led a prayer at his inaugural ceremony in 2017. All of them are Christians, predominantly evangelical Protestants, with the exception of Orthodox Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.
