Trump’s Record on Religion Unmatched by Any Modern President

President Donald Trump used the nation’s most prominent faith gathering to make a clear and confident case that his presidency has strengthened religion in America more than any other in modern history.

Speaking Thursday morning at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton, Trump praised religious freedom, highlighted specific actions taken by his administration, and drew a sharp contrast with Democrats whom he accused of pushing faith out of public life.

A Faith Centered Setting

Trump addressed lawmakers, religious leaders, business executives, and foreign dignitaries at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, a bipartisan tradition dating back to 1953. It was his sixth appearance at the event.

“This is a beautiful American tradition, and it’s a true honor to be back,” Trump said, noting that he has attended the breakfast nearly every year. He described the event as a moment of reflection amid the pressures of the presidency, joking that he needs “all the help I can get.”

At the heart of Trump’s remarks was a direct and repeated assertion about his record.

“I’ve done more for religion than any other president,” Trump said. He later clarified that he was referring to modern presidents, adding, “That’s not saying much because not too many presidents have done too much.”

He told the audience that religion in America is no longer sidelined. “Religion’s back now, hotter than ever before,” Trump said, crediting his policies with restoring faith to a central place in American life.

While acknowledging personal imperfections, he emphasized results. “I’m not a perfect candidate,” Trump said, “but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people.”

Concrete Actions

Trump pointed to several specific steps his administration has taken to protect and promote religious freedom.

He highlighted the creation of a federal task force designed to “eradicate anti Christian bias” within government. He also pointed to the establishment of the White House Faith Office, launched nearly a year ago, which was tasked with engaging faith based groups, community organizations, and houses of worship across the country.

Trump also said church attendance is rising nationwide. “There are many signs that religion is coming back,” he said. “Your churches are filling up. You didn’t have that two years ago.”

He cited reports of “30 percent, 50 percent, or even 70 percent” increases in church attendance and new converts in some congregations.

In addition, Trump announced new Department of Education guidance reaffirming the right to prayer and religious expression in public schools. The guidance emphasizes that students and school community members may act according to their faith, provided they respect the rights of others and schools do not favor secular views over religious ones.

Faith, God, and American Identity

Trump emphasized that faith is foundational to the nation’s identity and criticized politicians who avoid religious language.

“Some major politicians refuse to say the word God. They don’t want to say it,” Trump said. “But I say it. We are endowed with our sacred rights to life, liberty and not by government, but by God Almighty himself.”

He argued that recognizing God as the source of rights strengthens the country as a whole.

“When you put religion back where it belongs, everything else gets stronger,” Trump said.

Sharp Criticism of Democrats

Trump drew a clear political contrast, saying Democrats have turned against religion.

“The Democrats are against religion,” he said. “I don’t know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat.”

He cited voter ID laws as an example of what he described as a disconnect between Democrats and the values of religious Americans. Trump pointed to polling showing support well above 90 percent for voter identification requirements.

“When you go to the polls, you show who you are,” Trump said. “They don’t want to approve it. Everyone’s trying to figure out why.”

Protecting Churches From Disruption

Trump also addressed recent protests that interrupted worship services, particularly an incident in Minnesota.

“That was a horrible thing to witness,” Trump said, referring to a protest that disrupted a church service. He warned that allowing such behavior would undermine religious freedom.

“If we allowed that to go, you wouldn’t be able to have a church,” he said. “Everybody would be afraid to go to church, and that we are not going to allow.”

Trump concluded by reaffirming his belief that faith must remain at the center of American life. He announced plans for a national day of prayer on May 17, 2026, inviting Americans from across the country to gather on the National Mall.

“We have a great country,” Trump said. “And when you put religion back where it belongs, everything else gets stronger.”

For Trump, the message at the National Prayer Breakfast was direct and confident. In his view, religion is no longer marginalized, church attendance is rising, and the federal government is actively protecting faith. He made clear that he sees these changes not as promises, but as accomplishments already delivered.