During Holy Week in March 2024, Donald Trump released a video encouraging Americans to return to prayer while promoting the God Bless the USA Bible.
“We must make America pray again,” Trump said, adding that Americans should have a Bible in their homes. He also argued that the decline of religion and Christianity was connected, in his view, to problems facing the United States.
The $59.99 edition contained the King James Version of the Bible alongside the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Pledge of Allegiance. It was promoted in connection with country singer Lee Greenwood, whose song God Bless the USA inspired the edition.
The product’s website stated that it was not affiliated with Trump’s presidential campaign and that Trump’s name, image and likeness were being used through a paid licensing agreement with CIC Ventures LLC.
The promotion generated sharply different reactions. Supporters welcomed the public emphasis on Scripture and prayer, while critics questioned the combination of the Bible, American political documents, patriotism and commercial branding.
Whatever one’s political view, the moment placed a familiar question before millions of Americans during an election year: