Thousands Attend National Mall Prayer Rally as Founding-Faith Debate Envelops 250th Anniversary

Thousands gathered on the National Mall for Rededicate 250, a daylong Christian-centered prayer rally tied to the United States' 250th birthday, with Trump and evangelical leaders expected to speak. The event highlighted a ongoing debate over whether the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, drawing pushback from religious-progressive groups who emphasize religious freedom and church-state separation; a Jewish rabbi and other faith leaders attended to represent religious diversity. Organized by Freedom 250 with White House backing, the rally faced scrutiny from Democrats over the nonprofit’s structure and finances, while counterprogramming and protests were planned by secular and faith-based critics.