The White House has launched the America Prays initiative to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The effort encourages citizens to dedicate one hour a week to pray for the country and its people.
President Donald Trump announced the initiative on September 8 during remarks at the Museum of the Bible. The event was part of a hearing by the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Commission.
“America has always believed in the power of prayer,” Trump said. “We will never apologize for our faith. Ever, ever, never, never. We will never surrender our God-given rights.”
The White House hopes the initiative will reach one million Americans who commit to weekly prayer.
Several Catholic organizations are joining the effort. The prayer app Hallow, led by CEO Alex Jones, is participating. “Every great renewal begins with prayer,” Jones said. “Our country was born through prayer and will be renewed through it. May the Lord bless us and keep us.”
Other partners include Catholics for Catholics and CatholicVote. Both groups are Republican-aligned advocacy organizations without formal approval from the Catholic Church. Kelsey Reinhardt, president of CatholicVote, stressed the spiritual importance of the campaign. “Nothing is more important than winning back the soul of America. Prayer is the essential weapon in this battle,” she wrote on the group’s blog. She added that the initiative aims to inspire Americans “not through politics as usual but through prayer, sacrament, and surrender.”
Critics, however, have raised concerns about mixing religion and politics. Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, “President Trump is using religion to promote his self-interest and political agenda, while perpetuating the idea that America is a Christian nation under attack.”
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame, said the initiative appeals to Trump’s base, which includes supporters with strong Christian nationalist views. He also noted the timing of the effort comes amid public questions about the president’s past conduct, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and economic challenges.
“Many people have seen more images of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein than attending church,” Schmuhl said. “In the eyes of some, he is an imperfect messenger for spiritual guidance.” He compared Trump’s approach to that of former President Jimmy Carter, noting Carter’s faith was seen as authentic. “Today, faith is deeply intertwined with politics, and society is more polarized.”
At the same event, Trump said the Department of Education would issue guidance to protect the right to pray in public schools. Details of the guidance remain unclear. The Trump administration has previously announced plans to reduce the Department of Education’s workforce and its overall size.
The America Prays initiative represents a national call to faith as the country approaches a historic milestone. Leaders of participating organizations hope it will unite Americans across faiths and inspire a renewed sense of spiritual purpose during the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
