United States President, Donald Trump, has declared May 17, 2026, as a national day to rededicate the United States as “One Nation Under God,” announcing plans for a mass prayer gathering on the National Mall.
Trump made the declaration on Thursday while addressing participants at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, where he said Americans would be invited from across the country to join the event.
“I am pleased to announce that on May 17th, 2026, we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, give thanks, and to… rededicate America as One Nation Under God,” Trump said.
The President described the initiative as part of his administration’s broader push to promote religious liberty and combat what he called religious discrimination.
In the same address, Trump announced new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at protecting prayer in public schools.
“Today, I’m also pleased to announce that the Department of Education is officially issuing its new guidance to protect the right to prayer in our public schools,” he said, adding that the policy would be “a big deal” for schools nationwide.
According to the guidance, students, teachers, and other school officials are permitted to pray in schools, provided the prayer is not conducted on behalf of the institution and represents an individual’s personal expression of faith.
WATCH: Trump affirms America is a Christian country
“I am pleased to announce that on May 17th, 2026, we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, give thanks, and to… rededicate America as One Nation Under God.” 🙏 pic.twitter.com/dMfisF70mL
— Anna Lulis (@annamlulis) February 5, 2026
The announcement is expected to reignite debates over the separation of church and state, as well as the role of religion in public education and government-sponsored activities.
The American President also said Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of Nigeria, attended the country’s national prayer breakfast held in Washington DC on Thursday.
Recognising the first lady at the event, Trump described Oluremi as a “very respected woman” and a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria”.
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria (Remi Tinubu), who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria, very respected woman…. it’s a great honour. Thank you very much,” Trump said in a video of the event.
