1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Trump’s National Day of Prayer Proclamation Is a Theocratic Power Grab — Not a Call for Unity I urge you to speak out and take legislative and legal action against Donald Trump’s May 1, 2025 National Day of Prayer proclamation. This is not a benign tradition — it’s a clear assault on the separation of church and state, wrapped in religious rhetoric and authoritarian ambition. Let’s be clear: Trump is not calling Americans to reflection — he is positioning himself as a divinely chosen leader, using religion to justify political power, purge dissent, and override constitutional protections. Key facts and legal concerns: 1. Violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment The U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from endorsing any religion. Yet this proclamation: • Frames Christianity as the source of American greatness • Calls for prayer “in schools and workplaces” — a clear violation of Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Lee v. Weisman (1992), which struck down school-sponsored prayer • Uses public office to promote a particular religious belief as essential to national identity 2. Weaponizes Religion for Political Purposes Trump claims that “God spared [his] life” from an assassination attempt “to save our country,” invoking divine authority to justify his agenda. This echoes dangerous historical patterns where political leaders claim supernatural mandates to consolidate power and silence opposition. 3. Opens the Door to Religious Persecution Disguised as Protection He created federal “Task Forces” to eliminate “anti-religious bias,” without defining what that means. This is a threat to: • LGBTQ+ rights • Reproductive healthcare • Academic freedom • Religious minorities and secular Americans This is not about religious liberty — it’s about imposing a state-endorsed religious ideology. 4. Reinforces Christian Nationalism and Exclusion By stating that “the true strength of the American spirit” lies in churches and chapels, Trump erases the millions of Americans of other faiths — or no faith — from public life. That’s not unity. That’s discrimination. Congress must act. I urge you to: • Condemn the proclamation and hold hearings on the misuse of religious language by government officials • Reaffirm the principles of the First Amendment and protect secular governance • Oppose any executive actions or task forces that seek to impose religious litmus tests in government agencies or schools Religion belongs in the hearts of the people — not in the hands of an authoritarian. Reject the theocracy. Defend the Constitution. Speak out now.