Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) takes issue with so-called “sinister ideologies” — and it seems to align with the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on teaching the legacy of American history.
The House speaker, who led a prayer at “Rededicate 250,” a President Donald Trump-backed Christian prayer gathering held at the National Mall over the weekend, used language that one civil rights leader called an attack on teaching America’s legacy of slavery and violence. Other experts in Black studies, religion and civil rights movements agreed.
Johnson was one of several speakers to address the crowd at Sunday’s event, which was tied to the celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many have slammed the Christian-centered event — billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation to God” — as a promotion for Christian nationalism.
“Our Heavenly Father, we thank you. Thank you so much for this great day that you’ve given us here, as we remember that your mighty hand has been upon our nation since the very beginning,” Johnson said at the start of his prayer.
He then celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence, saying: “You gave our fathers the wisdom and faith to establish this new nation premised on the biblical and foundational principle that all men are created equal and free before you.”
