Trump Reads Bible in 'America Reads the Bible' Event

Is Trump's Bible reading a genuine moment of faith or a calculated political performance?
Trump Reads Bible in 'America Reads the Bible' Event
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 2020. Image credit: Bredndan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin


Pro-Trump narrative

Trump reading 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 at the 'America Reads the Bible' event is a genuine and powerful moment for the nation. The passage — a call to humility, prayer and repentance — has anchored National Day of Prayer events for decades and carries real weight for millions of Americans. With hundreds of leaders, pastors and everyday citizens joining in, this weeklong event is a meaningful declaration that faith still matters in public life.

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump's Bible reading was a staged political move, not a sincere act of faith — the same man who couldn't name a Bible verse in 2016, called communion "my little cracker" and posted an AI image of himself as Jesus. The 2 Chronicles passage he read is a rallying cry for Christian nationalists that scholars say is ripped out of context. Reading scripture from the Oval Office doesn't square with attacking the pope and justifying war.



The Controversies


© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.4.1

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 7.4.1