Trump announces May 17 National Mall prayer event to 'rededicate' America

President Trump announced a prayer gathering on the National Mall for May 17, 2026, and said the Education Department will issue new guidance to protect prayer in public schools.

President Trump announced on Thursday that a large prayer event will be held on the National Mall on May 17, 2026. He revealed the plan while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton. The president framed the gathering as a chance "to rededicate America as one nation under God" during the nation's 250th year. He also said the Department of Education will issue new guidance intended to protect the right to pray in public schools. Key points: - The event is scheduled for May 17, 2026, on the National Mall and is described as an invitation for Americans to pray and give thanks. - Trump announced the plan at the National Prayer Breakfast and used the occasion to emphasize religious liberty. - He said the Department of Education will issue new guidance on prayer in public schools and stated, "Now the Democrats will sue us, but we'll win." - The president noted historical context, saying May 17 was declared a day of fasting and prayer by the colonial Congress in 1776 and that the date falls near the Feast of the Ascension for some Christian denominations. - In a wider address at the event, he discussed foreign policy, mentioned military operations he said he approved, and defended members of his cabinet. Summary: The White House has scheduled a public prayer gathering for May 17, 2026, and the Department of Education announced it will issue new guidance on prayer in public schools. The president said legal challenges are likely. Undetermined at this time.