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Kathy Fain, from Longview, Texas, holds an American flag while singing the National Anthem during Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, on the National Mall, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Kathy Fain from Longview, Texas, sings the National Anthem during 'Rededicate 250', a prayer gathering on May 17 [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo]
Attendees pray and celebrate during "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2026.
Thousands of participants were expected at the National Mall to participate in the 'Rededicate 250' event, part of the Trump administration's plans to mark the country's 250th anniversary. [AFP]
A woman participates in a worship service on the day of Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Seth Herald
The 'Rededicate 250' event featured speeches, remarks and musical performances from artists like singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin and the United States Navy Band. [Seth Herald/Reuters]
People worship near the Washington Monument during a worship service, ‘Let Us Worship’, ahead of the "Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving" event aimed to celebrate America's 250th birthday, in Washington, D.C. , U.S. May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Seth Herald TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The prayer rally attracted criticism, even from some faith leaders, who warned it was a 'political rally' in the guise of a faith service. [Seth Herald/Reuters]
People lay down on the National Mall during Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Other critics warned that the government-sponsored rally eroded the separation between church and state required under the US Constitution. [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo]
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appears on a screen at the Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee
Political leaders from within Trump's political orbit spoke at the event or recorded video statements, including Secretary of State Rubio. [Eric Lee/Reuters]
A video message of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth plays during Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared a video that was aired at the prayer event, sharing a story about the first US president, George Washington. [Eric Lee/Reuters]
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) is seen on a screen as he participates in Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee
Senator Tim Scott used his remarks to link the US civil rights movement to the tradition of faith in the Black community. [Eric Lee/Reuters]
Attendees pray and celebrate during "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2026.
One attendee used his T-shirt to pay tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September. [AFP]
An attendee holds an American flag over her head during "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving" on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2026.
According to the Pew Research Center, some 17 percent of US adults believe Christianity should be named the official religion of the country. [AFP]
A person twirls Lion of Judah flags as Christian music plays during Rededicate 250, a mostly conservative Christian prayer gathering in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, on the National Mall, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
But a majority of Americans, 54 percent, still believe in the separation of church and state, according to the Pew Research Center. [Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo]
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