A speaker at a prayer event on the National Mall declared that God “raised up” President Donald Trump to construct a ballroom in the White House. Eric Metaxas, a Christian author and fervent supporter of Trump, addressed the crowd on Sunday during the Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Historical Context and Controversy
Metaxas recounted the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, when British forces set fire to Washington, D.C., including the White House. “They burned parts of the city, including the White House, which at that time, if you can believe it, did not yet have a ballroom,” he said, drawing laughter. “It's hard to believe that it would take two centuries for the Lord to raise up a great man to bring that ballroom finally to stand where it needs to stand,” he added, referring to Trump.
The White House ballroom has been a focal point of Trump’s second term, sparking significant controversy and legal battles. Following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last month, Trump reiterated the need for the ballroom. Although Trump claimed the ballroom would cost only $400 million and be funded entirely by private donors, Republicans attempted to include $1 billion for security provisions in a spending bill for immigration enforcement. However, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the ballroom spending violated budget reconciliation rules.
Christian Nationalism Themes
The event heavily emphasized Christian nationalism, portraying America as a Christian nation despite the First Amendment’s prohibition of establishing a national religion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referenced George Washington in a video message, urging prayer for the nation. Hegseth has attended the church of Doug Wilson, whose movement advocates repealing the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments, stating, “It is no coincidence that America, from the very beginning, has occupied a unique and exceptional place in world history.” Rubio claimed that the United States originated from the Christian command to spread faith globally, saying, “From that command came America. Our nation, more than any other in history, was shaped by this Christian idea.”
Trump’s Video Address
Trump delivered a video address but refrained from giving a speech. Instead, he recited from 1 Kings 9 of the Old Testament, which describes God’s words to King Solomon after building the Temple of Israel.
Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, decried perceived sinfulness in the United States. “Today, the Bible has been removed from our schools, and for the most part, the public square, but there is a downward moral decline spiraling ever deeper into the mire,” he said. “America has become morally rot, completely sick with sin, transgenderism, same-sex marriage, opening women's locker rooms to men. These are just the tip of the iceberg.”
