Trump's Rededicate 250 Event a Celebration of Christian Nationalism, and a Rewrite of our Nation's History

Washington DC - On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Trump's day-long event: Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving, is not a tribute to our nation’s history, but rather a grotesque display of Christian nationalism and a rewriting of our country's past.

Faithful America is challenging the narrative of the event by counterprotesting with a giant inflatable Trump Golden Calf. Inspired by the Book of Exodus in the Bible, a golden calf is the chief cultural metaphor for worshipping a false idol.

The Rededicate 250 event website describes the event as a gathering to, "prepare for the nation's 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God." From the sunrise worship service to the long line of Christian nationalist speakers, the gathering is yet another example of this Administration's efforts to weaponize faith to build political power, while also rewriting the history of our country as one that is a 'Christian nation.'

“The United States was not created as a theocracy.” Said Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck, Faithful America Executive Director. “Our founding documents make explicitly clear the importance of the separation of church and state, and demand that the government privilege no religion over any other. That this Administration is holding an event that is such a blatant celebration of Christian nationalism is dismaying to those of us who see it for the manipulation of Christianity that it is."

Faithful America criticizes Rededicate 250 as an attempt to exploit Christian language and symbolism for political gain, while excluding millions of Americans, Christian Americans included, who do not share this narrow religious or political view.

As an organization made up of hundreds of thousands of progressive Christians across the country, Faithful America represents people of faith who are deeply concerned by the rhetoric proclaiming the United States as a divinely chosen Christian nation in ways that erase Indigenous people, other religious groups, immigrants, atheists, and many others who are equally a part of the rich American story.

Faithful America calls on federal officials and corporate sponsors to withdraw their support.

Rev. Dr. Fleck adds, "we believe the Gospel calls us toward humility, compassion, justice, and care for our neighbors — not toward nationalist idolatry or the pursuit of political dominance. We refuse to allow Christianity to be manipulated into a weapon against democracy."

Media Contact: Jessi Quinn, Communications Strategist, [email protected], (603)731-7088

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Faithful America is a national organization that educates, organizes, and mobilizes social-justice Christians to advance Jesus' prophetic vision of God's Kindom and to challenge White Christian Nationalism and all the ways it harms our neighbors, our faith, and our democracy.