President Donald Trump will read from 2 Chronicles 7 during a nationwide Bible-reading event this week, part of 'America Reads the Bible,' a weeklong event marking 250 years of the Bible in America. The event, which began on April 19 and runs through April 25, features nearly 500 participants reading Scripture from Genesis to Revelation at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., with some readings livestreamed.
Core Facts
- Event Details: The event, organized by Christians Engaged, includes readings from high-profile figures such as Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Hollywood actors like Candace Cameron Bure and Kevin Sorbo.
- Trump’s Role: Trump is scheduled to read 2 Chronicles 7:11–22 from the Oval Office, a passage organizers say was deliberately reserved for him due to its historical significance in American prayer life.
Deeper Context
- Event Purpose: Organizers describe the event as a way to draw America back to its 'spiritual foundations' ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, inspired by the biblical story of Nehemiah.
- Hegseth’s Participation: Hegseth’s involvement comes days after he faced scrutiny for reciting a prayer at a Pentagon service that echoed a monologue from the film Pulp Fiction. The event organizers did not address this controversy directly.
- Participant Diversity: The event includes politicians, faith leaders, and entertainers, reflecting a broad cross-section of American public figures.
Public and Political Reactions
- White House Support: The White House has praised the event as an opportunity to 'honor Holy Scripture' and 'rededicate the United States as one Nation under God.'
- Criticism: Some observers have raised questions about the appropriateness of government officials participating in religious events, particularly in light of ongoing debates about the separation of church and state.
Event Logistics
- Schedule: Readings will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. Most readings will be live at the Museum of the Bible, with some prerecorded for high-profile participants.
- Accessibility: The event is being livestreamed for free on Great American Pure Flix, allowing broader public participation.