President Donald Trump is set to take part in the National Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol on Thursday, continuing a longstanding tradition that dates back over 70 years. This event brings together a bipartisan group of lawmakers for a time of fellowship and reflection. Additionally, Trump will deliver a speech at a separate prayer breakfast hosted by a private organization at a Washington hotel.
During his first term, Trump made headlines at the prayer breakfast following his acquittal in the Senate impeachment trial. In his remarks, he made pointed comments directed at Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Mitt Romney, questioning the sincerity of their faith-based actions.
The National Prayer Breakfast has a rich history, with President Dwight D. Eisenhower being the first president to attend in 1953. Since then, every president has participated in this significant event.
This year's prayer breakfast will be co-chaired by Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas. The event will feature two separate gatherings, one on Capitol Hill attended by lawmakers and government officials, and a larger private event at a hotel ballroom.
In recent years, there has been a division in the National Prayer Breakfast, leading to the split between the Capitol Hill event and the private gathering. This split was prompted by concerns about the organization and funding of the larger event.
President Joe Biden, in 2023 and 2024, participated in the Capitol Hill event, with his remarks being livestreamed to the private gathering. The National Prayer Breakfast continues to be a significant and symbolic event that brings together leaders from across the political spectrum for a moment of unity and reflection.
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