Trump Lauds Speaker Johnson at National Prayer Breakfast

During the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast held in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2026, former President Donald Trump humorously acknowledged the religious devotion of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump shared how Johnson often requests prayer before meals, even during lunch meetings, emphasizing his belief that this habit reflects Johnson’s genuine faith.

The bipartisan event attracted lawmakers, faith leaders, and dignitaries, creating a platform for discussions about the role of religion in public life. “Did you know that, Mr. Speaker, Mike Johnson is a very religious person who does not hide it?” Trump remarked, highlighting Johnson’s commitment to his faith. He continued, “He’ll say to me sometimes at lunch, ‘Sir, may we pray?’ I say, ‘Excuse me, we’re having lunch in the Oval.’ It’s okay with me. But he’s a very religious person and he is popular, and he’s doing an unbelievable job.”

Trump expressed his admiration for Johnson’s leadership, stating, “I think God is watching over you.” He added, “So I hang around with him because I feel I’m protected a little bit.” This light-hearted moment underscored the camaraderie between the two leaders, set against the backdrop of a gathering focused on faith.

Trump’s Emphasis on Faith and Community

In his speech, Trump underscored a broader theme of revitalizing religious engagement in American society. He noted that in 2025, more copies of the Holy Bible were sold in the United States than at any point in the past century. Trump also claimed that participation in church services among young Americans had nearly doubled in the last four years, suggesting a significant cultural shift towards spirituality.

The former president announced plans for a national prayer gathering scheduled for May 17, 2026, on the National Mall. “We’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall, to pray, to give thanks, and to return,” he declared. “We’re going to rededicate America as one nation under God.”

Speaker Johnson’s Commitment to Faith

Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana and an evangelical Christian, has frequently spoken about the importance of faith in his leadership. His presence at the National Prayer Breakfast aligns with his public persona, which emphasizes religious values. The White House, through spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, stated that Trump’s focus on prayer aims to unite the country. “President Trump has made unprecedented strides to protect our God-given rights,” Rogers remarked, pointing to policies that aim to safeguard religious freedoms.

Despite the significance of the event, the offices of both House Speaker Johnson and the White House did not provide immediate comments to media inquiries following the breakfast.

As the National Prayer Breakfast concluded, the atmosphere reflected both a sense of community and a commitment to faith among the attendees, showcasing the ongoing dialogue between politics and religion in American life.