President Trump announced Thursday a major prayer gathering at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., scheduled for May 17, 2026.

“The event is designed to bring Americans from across the country together on our National Mall to pray and give thanks,” Trump stated during his remarks. “We’re going to rededicate America as One Nation Under God.”

Trump did not specify why May 17 was chosen, noting that colonial Congress leaders designated the date in 1776 as a national day of fasting and prayer. The selection coincides with Christian traditions marking the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.

The president also revealed the Department of Education will implement new guidance to protect religious prayer rights in public schools. “I’m pleased to announce that the Department of Education is officially issuing its new guidance to protect the right to prayer in our public schools,” Trump said, adding, “Now the Democrats will sue us, but we’ll win.”

Trump addressed lawmakers and faith leaders at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast, declaring, “Religion is back now, hotter than ever before.” He linked the event to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of American Independence, stating some politicians avoid acknowledging God while he insists Americans are “endowed with our sacred rights to life, liberty and not by government, but by God Almighty himself.”

During his speech, Trump referenced the recent arrest of former CNN journalist Don Lemon, charged by the Department of Justice in January for interrupting a worship service during a protest in Minneapolis. “I watched his performance—it was terrible,” Trump said. “They tried to use freedom of press and all this to get out of a criminal event… If we allowed that to go, you wouldn’t be able to have a church.”