Rededicate 250 Brings Thousands to National Mall for Prayer and Worship on May 17
A nine-hour prayer and worship event called Rededicate 250 drew thousands to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026. The event, organized by the Freedom 250 foundation in partnership with the White House, featured Christian artists, politicians, and faith leaders. Critics raised concerns about the event's exclusively Christian speaker lineup.
Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026, for Rededicate 250, a nine-hour prayer and worship event billed as the faith-based component of America's 250th birthday celebration.
The event was organized by Freedom 250, a private foundation working in partnership with the White House. Speakers included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Christian artists Chris Tomlin and Jonathan Roumie performed during the event.
The Trump administration described the gathering as a "rededication of our country as One Nation Under God," drawing on the faith of America's founders.
Critics, including Americans United for Separation of Church and State, objected to the event's composition. The speaker lineup did not include Muslims, representatives from historically Black churches, Indigenous faith leaders, or mainline Protestants.
A Pew Research poll released in May 2026 found that only 17 percent of Americans believe Christianity should be the official religion of the United States. Fifty-two percent said they feel conservative Christians have gone too far in pushing their values in government and schools.
Freedom 250 is under congressional investigation for alleged redirection of federal funds and selling access to the Trump administration.
The event drew both enthusiastic supporters and vocal protesters, reflecting the ongoing national debate over the role of religion in public life.
CBN News covered the event live, calling it a historic moment for American faith communities. Organizers said they hoped the gathering would spark a national spiritual renewal ahead of the country's semiquincentennial celebrations in July 2026.
