Donald Trump has praised a celebration of America’s religious heritage, stating that a respect for the nation’s Christian values leads to a decline in crime.
The US President gave his reaction to ‘Rededicate 250’, which featured prayer, worship and messages from conservative politicians, during a press event at the site for his new White House ballroom on Tuesday.
Supporters said the event respected America’s Judeo-Christian heritage, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Critics said it blurred the line between church and state, overlooking the country’s wider faith diversity.
President Trump said: “Thousands of people showed up and it was beautiful. I think religion is very important for a country.
“When you have strong religion, you have less crime. It’s just a fact. It’s like ‘gee, I want to go to heaven, so I’m not going to do this or that.’
“I’m always concerned. I see things happening. From the beginning of mankind, you’ve had the good and you’ve had the bad. I’d like to get rid of the bad, but somehow that’s going to be there,” he added.
It is not the first time President Trump has linked politics and religion, after accusing Pope Leo of being “weak on crime” in response to the Catholic Church’s leader condemning immigration policy and the Iran war.
The President went on to tell reporters that many of America’s “successes” of the country could be attributed to Christianity, stating that “religion is making a tremendous comeback” with church attendances growing during his time in office.
A video of President Trump reading 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 was played, a recording that was originally released as part of the America Reads the Bible event. He said it's "not easy to read scripture” in comparison to a political speech, but that he "did it proudly”.
Trump administration officials have been commended and criticised for their use of Christian rhetoric in decision-making, including US-Israeli strikes on Iran being part of “God’s divine plan”.
Public prayer has also featured heavily. Evangelical leaders have laid hands on the President in the Oval Office, asking for guidance and protection, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth often sharing how it forms part of his daily life at the Pentagon.