President Donald Trump plans to announce the launch of a faith-driven initiative called America Prays at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the White House said Monday, tying the effort to the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
The program urges Americans to dedicate time every week to pray for the country and encourages participants to join with at least 10 others during those observances, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital. Rogers said the initiative is intended to underscore faith as central to the nation’s founding and future, saying, "President Trump has revived one of America’s most prominent and powerful founding principles — we are one nation under God."
The announcement follows Trump’s July appearance at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where he kicked off America250, the official yearlong celebration leading to the United States’ semiquincentennial. At that event, Trump called on religious communities to join in prayer as the nation prepared to mark 250 years of independence.
Trump has linked the America Prays launch to broader themes of religious liberty and education; he is scheduled to speak at the Museum of the Bible to support religious liberty in education, according to the White House.
Faith leaders and several faith-based organizations announced partnerships with the effort. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, said the initiative recognizes the spiritual dimension of national challenges, stating, "Our greatest battles are fought on our knees, and through America Prays we can join together to ask God to guide and protect this land." Pastor Clint Pressley of the Southern Baptist Convention described prayer as a public testimony of dependence on God for wisdom and strength.
Organizers listed cooperation from Samaritan’s Purse, Pray.com, Hallow, the National Religious Broadcasters, the Faith and Freedom Coalition and dozens of churches and ministries nationwide. They said the campaign is meant to mirror what they described as a tradition of faith that has helped sustain the country since its founding.
The White House framed America Prays as an extension of the America250 activities and as part of the administration’s emphasis on faith in public life. The initiative’s organizers said it is intended to unite religious communities in weekly prayer as the country approaches its semiquincentennial.
Trump’s announcement Monday marked the formal launch of the program; officials and religious partners said details about how local congregations and organizations will coordinate or register their participation would be released through the initiative’s channels in coming days.