Despite the fraudulent “separation of church and state” narrative that communists and radicals used to hijack and de-Christianize American education, President Donald Trump vowed that prayer would be protected in government schools. He also pointed out — correctly — that for most of U.S. history, the Bible was an indispensable part of education.
Speaking at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., last week, Trump unveiled a broad plan to restore religion’s place of prominence in America, along with reverence for God’s Word. Dubbed the “America Prays” initiative, the president asked a million Americans to commit one hour per week to praying for the country and its people.
School and education are a major part of Trump’s plan. Totalitarians of all varieties have understood for generations that capturing the hearts and minds of the next generation is key. And of course, Christians once understood that too. The Bible is clear about the importance not just of prayer, but of discipling the next generation.
“For most of our country’s history, the Bible was found in every classroom in the nation, yet in many schools today, students are instead indoctrinated with anti-religious propaganda, and some are punished for their religious beliefs. Very, very strongly punished,” Trump said, pointing to a student in Texas. “It is ridiculous.”
While federal power over education is not in the Constitution, Trump announced that new protections for religious liberty and prayer would be coming soon. “I am pleased to announce this morning that the Department of Education will soon issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools, and it’s total protection,” he said.
Trump did not elaborate on what those protections might look like. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Education did not provide details either, saying only that the bureaucracy was looking forward to supporting the president’s vision for restoring and promoting religious freedom in government schools.
One policy Trump touted was a “school choice” tax credit in the Big, Beautiful Bill. Celebrating the move, the president said it would allow parents to send their children to a school that “shares your values.” Some critics have raised concerns about the possibility of future presidents or policymakers trying to regulate private schools.
In speaking on the assault against liberty and Christianity in particular, Trump highlighted some especially egregious examples. In one, student Hannah Allen, who was in the audience as Trump spoke, was ordered by the principal not to pray. School officials later told her and her friends they could pray behind a curtain or where nobody could see them.
“I know what you went through. I know what you went through,” Trump said, speaking directly to Allen.
Trump also cited California student Shay Encinas, 12, who as a fifth grader was ordered to read a propaganda book to Kindergarten children. The text in question promoted what Trump described as “a message of radical gender ideology that is contrary to his religious beliefs and ours.”
Inviting Encinas to the stage, the boy shared his thoughts. “I believe kids like me should be able to live our faith at school without being forced to go against what we believe,” he explained. “I hope no other family has to go through what mine did.”
Trump went on to argue precisely what the Bible teaches: A nation’s fate is inextricably linked to the faith of its citizens. “To have a great nation, you have to have religion. I believe that so strongly,” Trump said. “There has to be something after we go through all of this — and that something is God.”
The White House website quoted George Washington’s remarks on the issue, too. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports,” Washington declared in his farewell address. “In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
This view was the norm among the founders. In the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establishing governance in the Northwest Territory, policymakers were clear about the link with education, too. “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged,” they said.
The historic announcements came ahead of a meeting of the Justice Department’s Religious Liberty Commission. The commission, established by an executive order this summer, is tasked with advising the White House on how to further and protect religious liberty domestically and worldwide. Attendees cheered and applauded Trump’s remarks.
Numerous Christian leaders publicly expressed their support for Trump’s efforts announced last week. Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and son of evangelist Billy Graham, celebrated the move. “Our greatest battles are fought on our knees, and through America Prays we can join together to ask God to guide and protect this land,” he said.
Trump also emphasized the relationship between biblical truth and individual liberty, as understood by America’s founders. “America has always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer and we will never apologize for our faith — ever, ever, never, never,” he said. “We will never surrender our God-given rights. We will defend our liberties, our values, our sovereignty, and we will defend our freedom.”
It is encouraging to see the president of the United States protect Christian students while celebrating and promoting America’s “glorious” heritage, as he called it. Unfortunately, those who founded the government school system always intended to use it to turn the nation away from Christianity. Only exposing and understanding this evil can stop it.
