It is with prayers and religious songs that Americans celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States this Sunday. Thousands of people gathered in Washington for a “national prayer marathon” attended by several high-ranking officials from the Trump administration. An event perceived by some as an almost official showcase for Christian nationalism.
This movement has gained significant platform since Donald Trump returned to power, through the speeches of Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, a member of an ultra-conservative evangelical church, or religious events at the White House.
On the lawn of the National Mall, just steps away from the centers of power in the American capital, the public gathered in front of a stage resembling the heart of a church with stained glass windows representing the foundation of the United States, celebrating its 250 years.
Clergy members, including Protestant pastors and the former Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan, evangelicals, and politicians, are scheduled to take the stage. The American president will kick off the event on video, followed by Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Celebration of God and country
In a message on his Truth Social network, Donald Trump wished participants a “good time.” While it is “not uncommon to see a group of evangelical pastors come together and associate Christianity with nationalism,” it is “very unusual” for members of the administration to participate, notes Sam Perry, a rhetoric professor at Baylor University (Texas).
“The ‘history’ and ‘foundations of our nation, which were built on Christian values, on the Bible,’ must be honored,” described evangelical preacher Paula White, head of the White House’s “Faith Office” and spiritual advisor to Donald Trump.
Pete Hegseth called for “reconsecrating this republic to God and to the country.” The Trump administration promotes “an American identity rooted in white Christianity” or in “European roots,” observes Sam Perry.
But neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution mention “religion, God, or Jesus,” specified Julie Ingersoll, professor of religious studies at the University of North Florida.
