By SUNTV Global Channel | February 5, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has declared May 17, 2026, as a national day to rededicate the country as “One Nation Under God,” unveiling plans for a mass prayer gathering on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Trump made the announcement on Thursday while addressing participants at the 74th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, saying Americans from across the country would be invited to join the nationwide event.
“I am pleased to announce that on May 17th, 2026, we’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, give thanks, and to rededicate America as One Nation Under God,” the President said.
According to Trump, the initiative forms part of his administration’s broader efforts to promote religious liberty and address what he described as growing religious discrimination in the United States.
During the same address, the President also announced new guidance from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at protecting the right to prayer in public schools.
“Today, I’m also 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, describing the move as “a big deal” for schools nationwide.
Under the guidance, students, teachers, and other school officials are permitted to pray in public schools, provided such prayers are not conducted on behalf of the school or institution and remain a matter of individual, personal expression of faith.
The announcement is expected to reignite national debate over the separation of church and state, particularly regarding the role of religion in public education and government-sponsored activities.
At the event, President Trump also acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
Recognising her during his remarks, Trump described Oluremi Tinubu as a “very respected woman” and referred to her as a “Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria.”
“We are honoured to be joined by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to be a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria — very respected woman. It’s a great honour,” the President said.
