On May 17, 2026, thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for an event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Titled Rededicate 250, the event featured prayer, worship music, and patriotic speeches, drawing both praise and criticism. Supporters saw it as an affirmation of faith in the nation, while critics viewed it as a blurring of the line between religion and politics.
The event included participation from Trump administration officials, conservative Christian leaders, and musicians. Organizers presented it as an opportunity to “solemnly rededicate our country as One Nation Under God.” Attendees traveled from across the U.S., citing concerns about a perceived decline in religious values in public life.
“I believe that we’ve definitely seen a turn away, and it’s not been for the good of our country,” said Debra DeGuiseppi from Minnesota. “There’s spiritual forces seeking to destroy our nation, and they’re very bold right now.”
Joe Johnson from Asheville, North Carolina, shared his reasons for attending. “Without God, we’d go nowhere,” Johnson remarked. “We see what happens without God.”
Speakers at the event included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Additionally, there were remarks from over a dozen Christian faith leaders and one rabbi.
Criticism came from religious leaders who felt the event promoted a narrow interpretation of the nation’s religious diversity. The Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, CEO of the Interfaith Alliance, commented, “This is an opportunity for America to celebrate the diversity that is our religious heritage. Unfortunately, what we’re seeing with Rededicate is actually an effort to betray that heritage and instead say there is one tradition that really matters.”
The event’s hosting organization, Freedom 250, receives support from former President Donald Trump. His administration has been noted for embracing religious symbols in public life, such as Oval Office prayer circles and a Justice Department task force on anti-Christian bias.