Mike Johnson Rededicates U.S. at $150 Million Prayer Rally as Thousands Pack National Mall
Updated
Updated · The Atlantic · May 18
Mike Johnson Rededicates U.S. at $150 Million Prayer Rally as Thousands Pack National Mall
26 articles · Updated · The Atlantic · May 18
Thousands queued for more than 3 hours and stood for hours more on the National Mall as Mike Johnson declared, “We hereby rededicate the United States of America as one nation under God.”
The Rededicate 250 event framed America’s 250th anniversary as a spiritual battle, with attendees waving prayer flags, blowing shofars and saying mass prayer could drive out demonic forces.
Freedom 250 organized the rally through a public-private partnership backed by Congress with $150 million and corporate donors including Exxon Mobil, Lockheed Martin and Palantir.
Critics condemned the use of public funds, the heavy role of Trump administration officials and the event’s limited religious diversity, while a small protest outside backed LGBTQ people and immigrants.
The gathering underscored the growing clout of the New Apostolic Reformation and broader charismatic, nondenominational Christianity, movements that helped mobilize Trump-aligned voters and now seek greater public influence.
Can Enlightenment ideals and a 'Christian nation' vision coexist in public life?
What happens when a nation's military mission is framed as a divine mandate?
When a nation's founding story is debated, how is its future identity reshaped?