President Donald Trump, along with several Christian supporters and Republican officials, is participating this week in a marathon Bible reading event tied to the upcoming America 250 celebrations. Organizers describe the event as encouraging a "return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country."
The "America Reads the Bible" event, in which participants each read a passage aloud, is being livestreamed from the Museum of the Bible in Washington and other locations.
A video of Trump is scheduled to be shown Tuesday evening in which he reads a passage from 2 Chronicles that calls for national repentance in ancient Israel. The verse has been widely cited in religious and political settings in the United States.
"The Bible is indelibly woven into our national identity and way of life," Trump said in a statement marking the event. The statement also referenced historical figures such as Puritan leader John Winthrop, who encouraged early settlers to serve as an example of faith.
Some observers have raised concerns about the event's political and ideological balance. The list of participants includes many Republican politicians and Christian supporters of Trump.
Brian Kaylor, author of "The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power," described the event as "very much a right-wing MAGA, Christian nationalist effort."
"If they wanted this to be a unifying American project, there would have been a whole lot more attention to getting political diversity and ideological diversity," added Kaylor, president and editor-in-chief of Word&Way.
Historian Jemar Tisby also criticized the event, writing on Facebook: "You cannot quote the Bible while justifying violence, war and exclusion."
Event organizers say invitations were extended more broadly. Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, said that Democrat members of Congress and leaders from a range of denominations were invited but did not participate.
Pounds emphasized the importance of applying biblical teachings in daily life: "Faith without works is dead," she said. "We need the word first to bring faith into our life."
Other officials participating include War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other members of Congress. Evangelical figures such as Franklin Graham, Jack Graham, and Paula White-Cain are also taking part.
Participants are reading through the 66 books of the Bible recognized in the Protestant tradition. Other Christian traditions, including Catholic and Orthodox churches, recognize additional texts, while Judaism includes the Hebrew Bible but not the New Testament.
The event includes some Catholic representation, including the president of CatholicVote, which endorsed Trump in 2024.
The reading spans a wide range of biblical passages, from well-known verses such as "The Lord is my shepherd" to less familiar sections, covering themes from creation to teachings about faith, conflict, and redemption.
Christians Engaged, the organizing nonprofit, says its mission includes encouraging Americans to engage with a biblical worldview and civic responsibilities such as prayer and voting.
Trump's reading, recorded in the Oval Office, focuses on a passage in which God promises forgiveness if people turn away from wrongdoing and seek repentance: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
The verse has been frequently referenced at religious gatherings, including events such as the National Day of Prayer.
Pounds said organizers specifically invited Trump to read that passage, calling it "a powerful statement."
The Bible-reading event comes ahead of a May 17 gathering on the National Mall described as a "National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving," part of a broader initiative known as "America Prays," which calls for national prayer and reflection.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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