Trump, Amid 'Blasphemy' Controversy, to Join Bible Reading Marathon Hosted by Conservative Christian Group

by Lee Jungyun

Published 18 Apr.2026 16:11(KST)

Updated 18 Apr.2026 16:41(KST)

Senior Officials from Trump Administration Also to Participate

An image evoking Jesus posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Truth Social

U.S. President Donald Trump, who sparked controversy by likening himself to Jesus, will participate in a "Bible Reading Marathon."

According to the New York Times on April 17 (local time), a week-long event called "America Reads the Bible," during which the Bible will be read aloud in Washington, D.C., will be held from April 19 to 25. The event is organized by a conservative Christian group.

The organizers stated that President Trump is scheduled to participate in this event. Other participants include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, all of whom are senior officials from the Trump administration.

It is reported that on April 14, President Trump recorded his portion of the reading in the Oval Office. President Trump read a passage from 2 Chronicles 7 in the Old Testament, which states, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This passage has been interpreted over the past several decades as a promise with political implications for the United States and has been used in praise, prayer, and sermons. The New York Times explained that President Trump's Christian supporters interpret this verse as emphasizing national repentance and the resulting blessings.

Previously, on January 6, 2021, during the Capitol riot, the founder of the pro-Trump group "Cowboys for Trump" recited this passage through a loudspeaker, and the crowd responded by shouting, "Let's fight for Trump!"

The Bible reading event will begin with Genesis 1 on the morning of April 19 and conclude with the final chapter of Revelation on the evening of April 25. President Trump's reading will be broadcast between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 21.

On April 12, President Trump also caused controversy by posting an image of himself dressed in white with a red cloak, placing his hand on the forehead of a sick person. Critics claimed he was comparing himself to Jesus, and as the "blasphemy" controversy intensified, he deleted the post after about 12 hours. Additionally, President Trump fiercely criticized Pope Leo XIV, an American who has spoken out against the U.S. war in Iran, calling him "weak on crime" and engaging in a heated exchange.