During a recent National Day of Prayer event, President Trump made headlines by joking about the separation of church and state. He suggested that it might be time to overlook this principle, saying, "Let’s forget about that for one time." This comment came during a ceremony held in the Rose Garden, where he gathered with faith leaders to discuss the role of religion in America.
Trump declared, “We’re bringing religion back to our country,” emphasizing his administration’s commitment to religious expression. He expressed gratitude to religious leaders present, stating, "You guys are in the White House where you should be, and you’re representing our country." His remarks seemed to resonate with the audience, as he continued to assert that religion would return to a more prominent place in American life.
At the event, Trump also signed an executive order to create a Religious Liberty Commission. This commission will include church leaders and legal experts aimed at identifying threats to religious freedom and recommending protective measures. The commission is expected to address issues such as attacks on places of worship and violations of First Amendment rights.
Paula White, a senior advisor and leader of the White House Faith Office, spoke at the event, calling prayer a "national necessity." She prayed for wisdom for the president and urged a spiritual reset in the nation, advocating for a return to sacred values.
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and former Housing Secretary Ben Carson were among those praising Trump for his commitment to faith during his presidency. Patrick stated, “There’s never been a president who’s invoked the name of Jesus more than you.”
Trump’s recent actions build on earlier efforts to promote religious liberty. In February, he established a Task Force to address what he described as anti-Christian bias under the previous administration. This latest executive order reflects ongoing concerns about religious freedom in the U.S., especially in light of recent legal challenges involving prayer in schools and religious symbols in public areas.
The newly formed Religious Liberty Commission is set to hold its first meeting soon and will operate until July 4, 2026, unless extended by the president. This initiative highlights a significant focus on religious issues in the current political climate.