The entire Bible is being read aloud on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from Genesis to Revelation. The event features a who’s who of guest readers, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). The nonprofit behind the movement, America Reads the Bible, hopes to educate Americans about a “biblical worldview and their responsibilities as citizens to pray, vote, and engage for the wellbeing of our nation.”
Kicking off on Sunday and ending this Saturday (April 25), the livestreamed campaign has been endorsed by President Trump, who is expected to participate Tuesday evening between 6 and 7 p.m. Eastern time. He will read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, which details the Lord’s appearing to King Solomon and features oft-cited instructions for believers in verse 14, which proclaims, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
President Trump: America is “Enduringly Illuminated” by the Bible
In an official statement from the White House promoting America Reads the Bible, Trump highlighted the power of the Scripture and its undeniable role in the formation of the United States’ government, national character, and identity.
“[N]early 500 Americans will take part in a public reading, over the course of one week, of the entire Bible — from Genesis to Revelation — to celebrate 250 years of the Bible in America,” he said. “From Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World and the first permanent English-speaking settlement at Jamestown to our founding in 1776 and to the present day, the Bible has been indelibly woven into our national identity and way of life.”
Emphasizing the role of the Bible in American governance and culture, the president noted that it has always been at the forefront of all aspects of American life: “In the decades that followed, the truths of Holy Scripture remained deeply embedded in our culture — not only within the walls of our churches but in our homes, schools, courtrooms, and public square.”
He shared that the Founding Fathers “echoed Holy Scripture in the central animating principle” of the Declaration of Independence’s affirmation that “all men are created equal” and receive their rights from God. He also referenced the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 — a key law that created criteria for admittance to the Union — which proclaims, “Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged.” American education and governance, the president continued, have always been “enduringly illuminated” by Holy Scripture.
The president concluded by sharing that the reading of the Bible can encourage citizens to rediscover biblical truth and apply Christian principles in the restoration of the Republic.
Rise of Religion
The movement to read the Bible in Washington comes alongside soaring interest in religion among young men in America. Recent polling from Gallup shows that 42 percent of males age 18-29 say religion is “very important” in their lives, a shocking increase from 28 percent in 2022-2023.
Young women, on the other hand, polled significantly lower in their attachment to religion, with only 30 percent reporting that faith is crucial. But many analysts are hopeful that the ascension of young men valuing religion will impact the female demographic over time.
