President Donald Trump kicked off Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast with a blockbuster announcement about what he’s planning to do in the near future. While addressing a packed room, the president announced a prayer event will be held on the National Mall this coming May, apparently as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
“This morning, I’m pleased to announce that on May 17, 2026, that we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall, to pray, to give thanks, to rededicate America as one nation under God,” Trump said.
Trump humorously remarked that he occasionally feels unprepared to headline the National Prayer Breakfast, yet he fears abstaining due to the potential for divine retribution.
“This is a beautiful American tradition, and it’s a true honor to be back,” Trump told his audience at the Washington Hilton. “I think I’ve been here just about every time. It’s hard to turn it down. I don’t have the courage to turn it down.”
“The last time I came, I got in [to DC] at 4 in the morning. They said, ‘Sir, you’re going to be speaking at 7,’” he added. “I said, ‘I’ll be there. I’m afraid not to be. I need all the help I can get.’”
