US President Donald Trump will take part in a public Bible reading event in Washington next week, days after criticism from some Christian groups over a social media post that appeared to portray him as Jesus.
Get today's headlines by email 
Organisers said a recording of the president reading a passage from the Old Testament will be broadcast as part of a multi-day presentation of scripture at the Museum of the Bible.
The reading has already been recorded and is scheduled to air on Tuesday during an 84-hour event that will feature hundreds of participants reciting the Bible from beginning to end.
Scripture Marathon at Museum of the Bible
The event will involve nearly 500 readers taking turns delivering passages from the Bible, moving sequentially from the Book of Genesis through to the Book of Revelation over an eight-day period.
Trump’s contribution, lasting about two and a half minutes, will feature a reading from the Old Testament book of Second Chronicles. The selected verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14, calls on believers to humble themselves, pray, seek God and turn away from wrongdoing.
The passage is frequently cited in American religious and political contexts and is often invoked during discussions about national reflection or moral renewal.
Organisers said the reading forms part of a wider celebration marking what they describe as the Bible’s enduring role in shaping the United States.
Reaction After Recent Dispute
The president’s participation comes shortly after controversy surrounding a social media image that critics said depicted him as Jesus. The post drew criticism from some Christians who viewed it as inappropriate.
Trump has also recently been involved in a public disagreement with Pope Leo over issues connected to the war with Iran.
Bunni Pounds, founder of the organisation Christians Engaged and one of the event’s organisers, welcomed the president’s involvement in the scripture reading.
While declining to comment directly on the recent disputes, she noted that the chosen passage deals with repentance and humility.
“It’s a scripture about repentance,” Pounds said. “None of us are perfect.”
She described the initiative as an attempt to bring together public officials and citizens in a shared moment of reflection.
Pounds also said it was notable for a sitting US president to take part in an extended reading of scripture without additional commentary.
Political and Religious Figures Taking Part
Several senior members of the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers are also expected to participate in the reading.
Those scheduled to take part include Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Other participants listed by organisers include Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The White House said the initiative reflects the role the Bible has played throughout American history. In a statement released on Friday, officials said the project highlights what they called the Bible’s “indelible” influence on the nation’s development.
The statement referenced historical figures including John Winthrop and Abraham Lincoln while linking the event to broader commemorations of the Bible’s influence in the United States over the past 250 years.
Commemoration of Biblical Influence
Organisers say the continuous reading aims to highlight the historical and cultural impact of scripture in American public life.
Participants will read passages sequentially across the eight days, creating a complete public presentation of the Bible.
The president’s recorded reading is expected to form a short but prominent segment within the longer programme.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 19 April 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment