Hundreds gathered on the National Mall for Rededicate 250, a conservative Christian prayer event, in celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The gathering contained Christian worship music, prayers, and speeches from members of the Trump administration.

Organized by Freedom 250, which collaborates with the White House, the event sought to acknowledge God’s guidance, reflect on America’s history, and recommit the nation under God. Of the 19 faith leaders scheduled, 18 were Christian evangelicals. Key figures included White House adviser Paula White-Cain, the Rev. Franklin Graham, and Bishop Robert Barron from Minnesota. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the only non-Christian speaker.

President Trump was not present but shared a video message highlighting 2 Chronicles 7:11-22. Other Trump administration officials, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressed attendees through video. Notably, Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and House Speaker Mike Johnson participated, with Johnson leading a prayer for courage and national preservation.

The event drew criticism for promoting Christian nationalism. Interfaith Alliance projected pro-religious freedom messages onto the National Gallery of Art. The group argued on social media that the event aimed to create an authoritarian theocracy. Rachel Laser, from Americans United for Separation of Church and State, contended that the gathering advanced a narrow Christian view, undermining America’s tradition of religious diversity and separation of church and state.