WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump established a Religious Liberty Commission on May 1, the National Day of Prayer.
He signed the executive order, meant to “safeguard and promote America’s founding principle of religious freedom,” under sunny skies Thursday, during a gathering in the White House Rose Garden.
The commission is directed to produce a comprehensive report describing the nation’s history of religious liberty, detailing existing threats to that liberty, recommending ways to celebrate America’s religious diversity, and strategies to protect religious freedom for future generations.
Topics of consideration will include freedom of speech, parental rights, school choice, and protecting houses of worship, according to the order.
“We’re bringing religion back to our country,” Trump said during the event. “It’s a big deal.”
The National Day of Prayer dates back centuries to the Continental Congress in 1775, with annual observances at the White House on the first Thursday in May since 1952, when the occasion was first designated by Congress.
Trump said the event, a centerpiece of the administration’s efforts to foster unity and spiritual reflection, is meant to “seek the help of the almighty,” honor spirituality, and underscore his commitment to revitalizing the role of faith in American public life.
A popular talk show host in attendance offered words of gratitude for the religious gathering.
“I can’t say how proud I am to see religion coming back to the White House,” Phil McGraw, known for his long-running “Dr. Phil” TV show, said. “God bless you.”
Hundreds of faith leaders representing diverse religious backgrounds, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus, among others, attended the Rose Garden event, which was held steps from the Oval Office.
It featured moments of reflection, with prayers led by prominent religious figures, including a Hindu peace prayer and a Christian invocation, echoing the multi-faith approach seen in past observances.
One attendee was spotted wearing a yarmulke emblazoned with the words “fight, fight, fight.”
Organized by the newly formed White House Faith Office, some officials used the occasion to offer their favorite religious verses.
Administration officials highlighted the importance of religious liberty and reaffirmed the administration’s focus on protecting and promoting faith-based values.
“President Trump … [invites] Americans of all faiths across the country to join him in asking for God’s continued blessings over our great country,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a briefing on the morning of May 1.
The executive order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission joins other religion-focused orders signed over the past three months, including one addressing “anti-Christian bias” and another targeting a rise in anti-Semitism at colleges and universities nationwide.
Thursday also saw the swearing-in of billionaire restaurateur and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for the role of ambassador to Italy.
The president then traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to deliver a commencement address at the University of Alabama.
Trump also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other lawmakers about legislative strategy, the budget, and what the president describes as a “big, beautiful bill” to codify proposed tax cuts.
“If it doesn’t pass, your taxes are going to go up 68 percent, so think of it, 68, and this is a religious ceremony to me, but that’s part of the religion,” Trump said during the event.
“Because if your taxes go up 68 percent, you might give up your religion; you might have no choice. You'll be working too hard to try and make it,” he quipped.
