America Reads The Bible: Trump to Read Bible Verse from Oval Office Amid Religious and Political Controversies

Inside the “America Reads The Bible” event and the growing intersection of religion and governance in U.S. political discourse

April 21, 2026 | Oval Office, Washington, D.C. — In a moment set to capture national attention, President Donald Trump is scheduled to participate in a public Bible reading on April 21, 2026, during the 6 p.m. EST hour. This marks a continuation of the administration’s integration of Christian faith into official discourse, as Trump will read a passage from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, specifically the widely cited verse 14:

“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.”

The event, titled “America Reads The Bible,” follows a series of religiously charged moments that have defined the current political climate. Notably, Trump’s participation comes on the heels of a public dispute with Pope Leo regarding the ongoing Iran conflict, which has fueled tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. administration. Additionally, earlier this week, Trump faced backlash after posting, and subsequently deleting, an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus, a move that many criticized as deeply insensitive.

The Bible verse, which Trump will read from the Oval Office, has been a source of particular significance for Evangelical Christians, who have long viewed 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a call for divine intervention and national repentance. The verse has been frequently invoked by various political figures, most notably by Couy Griffin, the founder of “Cowboys for Trump,” who prayed over the crowd during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.

Trump’s connection to this particular passage dates back to the immediate aftermath of his 2016 election victory, when evangelical leader Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of the famed Billy Graham, referenced 2 Chronicles 7:14 as an affirmation of God’s support for the president’s win. In fact, the choice of this verse for Trump to read is no coincidence, according to Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, who helped organise the event. In an interview with Fox News, Pounds remarked, “We needed someone special to read Second Chronicles, chapter seven,” underscoring the deep resonance of this scripture with the current administration’s rhetoric.

A Symbolic Call to National Healing

The verse Trump will read has been perceived by many within the Evangelical community as not only a call for national repentance but also as a powerful prayer for divine healing of the country. Margaret Susan Thompson, a historian from Syracuse University, explained that the verse has been viewed as a tool to call upon God’s blessings for the nation. Thompson noted that American leaders, from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush, have often integrated their religious beliefs into their vision for the nation. However, she warned against prescribing such faith-driven mandates to the entire populace, suggesting that faith, when politicised, can blur the line between personal conviction and public duty.

Not a Devotional Platform

While the America Reads The Bible initiative will certainly attract attention, it is important to note that this event is not intended as a devotional platform nor as an attempt to distribute religious sermons. Instead, it reflects the Trump administration’s continued efforts to weave Christian values into the fabric of public life, underscoring a belief that religious devotion is integral to the country’s direction. As Bunni Pounds emphasised, “We wanted to ensure that this was a moment to honour the leadership role of the church in society.”

Trump’s Bible reading is expected to be joined by several high-profile officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, all of whom will witness the event alongside the president.

An Ongoing Conversation in the Faith Community

The America Reads The Bible event also serves as a reminder of the Church’s profound influence on the political sphere.