Trump becomes first U.S. president to honor the Immaculate Conception

Tyler Arnold, Catholic News Agency

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

President Donald Trump honored the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, which appears to be the first time an American president formally recognized the Catholic holy day. The presidential statement recognized the role Mary played in the salvation of humanity and the importance she has in American history. The statement does, however, contain one theological error about the Incarnation. It says God became man when Christ was born, although Catholic doctrine recognizes God becoming man at the Incarnation: when Mary conceived him. Trump’s statement also acknowledges the “distinct role” Mary has played “in our great American story.”