The White House-backed "Rededicate 250" prayer rally drew thousands to the National Mall on May 17, 2026.
‘First Time He’s Opened a Bible': Donald Trump Trolled For ‘Pre-Recorded’ Speech At Rededicate 250 Prayer Event
President Donald Trump has drawn backlash for "sounding like a third-grader" while reading the Bible at the Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. Speaking to a large audience, Trump recited a Bible verse during the prayer gathering on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
As part of the nationwide festivities for America’s 250th anniversary, also being called a “rededication of our country as One Nation under G-d", the event was described as a “national celebration of prayer, praise, and gratitude,” and included several Republican politicians and religious leaders, according to The Sun.
And now, Trump's pre-recorded Bible reading is being slammed by people, with many saying it "seems like the first time". Trump recited a Bible excerpt from the book of 2 Chronicles regarding King Solomon's dedication of the temple and G-d's reply. Solomon, who followed King David, was a monarch in ancient Israel recognized for his wisdom and for constructing the temple and royal palace in Jerusalem.
Donald Trump's Pre-Recorded Speech Slammed Online
Quoting chapter 7 of 2 Chronicles, he said, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself for a house of sacrifice…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'.”
An X user's post on Donald Trump's speech at Rededicate 250 prayer event.
"For now I have chosen and sanctified this house that my name may be there forever and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David, your father, walked and do according to all that I have commanded you. And shall observe my statutes and my judgments", the message read further.
Social Media Users Troll Trump
Many users on X mocked Trump's pre-recorded address, according to The Mirror US. One user mocked, “First time he’s ever opened a Bible, it seems", and another added, "The desperation from this administration is staggeringly hilarious. They're losing, and they just don't know it yet,” they went on. “They and the rest of the far-right will know come November.”
A user wrote, “Scripture says, 'already have many antichrists appeared.’ You’re looking at one right here, right now.” and another compared him to a third-grader, “He sounds like a third-grader reading the novel’s synopsis on the back cover in class, and passing it off as his own book report".
An X user calls out Trump's speech at the prayer event, stating they cannot understand anything.
According to the Rededicate 250 website, the event "will be rooted in giving thanks for G-d’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250".
The event included Christian clergy, musical performances, and appearances by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had also recorded a video message like Trump and was played at the event. In his message, Hegseth said, “Let us pray as he did. Let us pray without ceasing. Let us pray for our nation on bended knee. And let us ask our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as Washington did on that momentous day.”