Trump's Inaugural Benediction Honors MLK's Legacy

Pastor of 180 Church Lorenzo Sewell, delivers a benediction after President Donald Trump was sworn in during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday

President Donald Trump's inaugural benediction on Martin Luther King Jr. Day paid tribute to the civil rights leader's legacy. The prayer, delivered by a Michigan pastor, prominently featured excerpts from King's iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, alongside references to the Declaration of Independence, patriotic songs, and gospel hymns.

In his impassioned three-minute invocation, Rev. Lorenzo Sewell expressed gratitude for the incoming Trump administration and prayed for America to “begin to dream again.” Sewell's prayer closely mirrored King's 1963 address, invoking phrases like “let freedom ring” and “free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”

Who is Lorenzo Sewell?

Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, 43, has served as the pastor of the non-denominational 180 Church in Detroit for seven years. He embraces a charismatic, conservative Christian doctrine and is known for intertwining politics with his ministry, stating that the Bible is inherently political.

Sewell's benediction at a Sunday night gala, where he prayed for Trump's protection, was met with praise from GOP lawmakers and conservative activists. However, some Black faith leaders and civil rights figures expressed discomfort with Sewell's prayer and Trump's references to King, cautioning against distorting King's legacy.

Trump's Remarks and Civil Rights Leaders' Reactions

Sewell is a charismatic pastor from Detroit known for intertwining politics with his ministry.

Lorenzo Sewell delivered a benediction at Trump's inauguration, referencing King's 'I Have a Dream' speech.

Trump acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day and pledged to realize King's dream.

Civil rights leaders observed the holiday with service and prayer, expressing mixed reactions to Trump's remarks.

Sewell's prayer was praised by GOP lawmakers but criticized by some Black faith leaders.

During the inauguration, President Trump acknowledged Martin Luther King Jr. Day and pledged to work towards realizing King's dream. He emphasized a vision of a colorblind and merit-based society, vowing to end government policies that focus on race and gender.

Civil rights leaders, including King's family, observed the holiday with a day of service and prayer. While some expressed concerns about Trump's return to the White House, others urged a commitment to King's vision and a wait-and-see approach to Trump's second term.

Overall, Sewell's benediction and Trump's inauguration remarks sparked a mix of reactions, with supporters lauding the homage to King's legacy and critics cautioning against misrepresenting King's values.