#USA #DC – U.S. President Donald Trump read from the Holy Bible, specifically 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, as part of a planned week-long event called “American Reads the Bible” as a part of the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4th, 2026. Although the reading comes amid recent controversies, and critics and observers have labelled the reading as a public relations (“PR”) stunt since the President posted himself as Jesus after criticizing Pope Leo XIV, the event was planned in advanced prior to these recent criticisms.
The video released of Trump reading from 2 Chronicles was a pre-recorded reading from the Oval Office on April 21, 2026, where nearly 500 participants—including faith leaders, government officials, and public figures—publicly have read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation over the week (April 19-25). The event, organized by Christians Engaged and held in conjunction with the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., is framed as a “spiritual celebration of our nation’s founding ideals” and a call to rediscover Biblical foundations amid the semiquincentennial observances.
President Trump’s readings dealt with God’s response to Solomon after the Temple’s dedication, with the well-known 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.” Organizers chose it deliberately for Trump, noting it has long been cited as a call to national prayer and repentance in America. Critics, however, have noted its symbolic importance amid recent comments labelling Trump as an “anti-Christ” as well as theories on the Internet of Trump-Israeli intent to rebuild the Third Temple since the start of the Iran War.
The Trump administration’s participation in “America Reads the Bible” aligns with broader efforts by Trump and Republican figures to highlight Christian heritage and values during his presidency, especially around patriotic milestones. The reading occurred amid some controversy, including recent backlash over an AI-generated image and other political-religious tensions, but the event itself was scheduled as part of the anniversary programming. The event was planned and a symbolic participation in a faith-based patriotic event, not a spontaneous or standalone action.
Image: President Trump seen reading from 2 Chronicles as part of “America Reads the Bible.”
