Trump will read from 2 Chronicles on Tuesday night as part of the 'America Reads the Bible' event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, according to multiple reports. The passage is interpreted by Christian conservatives as a call for citizens to repent and for God to bless the nation. Organizers say the event will encourage a 'return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country.'
The Trump administration has embraced a movement to see Christianity as key to the US founding and for leaders to follow the Bible, multiple reports indicate. This occurs despite the US Constitution barring the government from establishing a national religion. During the event, other administration members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are sharing passages. Hegseth cites passages in his briefings and leads prayers in his department, according to reports.
The reading comes as Trump quarrels with Pope Leo XIV, who has criticized the US for waging war on Iran. On Friday, Trump told reporters he has a right to disagree with the Pope, after the Pope criticized those who manipulate religion. Trump's reading also follows criticism from some religious supporters for posting an AI-generated image that appears to depict him as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick. Trump later took down the post, saying he thought it was meant to show him as a doctor.