WASHINGTON, DC (April 19, 2026) - As the nationwide "America Reads the Bible" event continues to gain momentum, a major moment is set to unfold this week: President Donald Trump will read a passage from 2 Chronicles 7 directly from the Oval Office, joining hundreds of participants in the historic Scripture-reading initiative.
According to event organizers, Trump is scheduled to read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 during a prime evening slot at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, a time typically reserved for high visibility during the weeklong broadcast. The passage was not assigned randomly. Organizers revealed it was intentionally set aside for a "special guest," highlighting the significance they believe it carries for the nation at this moment.
At the heart of the passage is 2 Chronicles 7:14, a verse deeply familiar to many Christians in America: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray..." For decades, this scripture has been central to national prayer movements, often cited during times of crisis, reflection, and calls for spiritual renewal.
Bunni Pounds, founder and president of Christians Engaged, shared that the decision came after prayerful consideration. "We needed somebody special to read Second Chronicles chapter seven," she said, noting that the verse has shaped American prayer gatherings for over 50 years, including the National Day of Prayer. The organizers ultimately felt that assigning the reading to the president carried symbolic weight, particularly given the passage's emphasis on humility, repentance, and seeking God.
Trump's participation adds a new layer of visibility to the event, which officially launched this weekend in Washington, D.C., with an opening ceremony at the Museum of the Bible. The initiative features nearly 500 participants and aims to complete a continuous public reading of the entire Bible-from Genesis to Revelation-over seven days.
While reactions to Trump's involvement are mixed across public and political spaces, the focus for organizers remains firmly on Scripture. The event itself was created to highlight the enduring role of the Bible in American life, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The inclusion of a sitting president reading such a well-known passage underscores how deeply Scripture continues to intersect with public life, whether in moments of unity or debate. For many believers, the message of 2 Chronicles 7:14 remains timeless-calling individuals and communities alike to return to God with humility and prayer.
As "America Reads the Bible" continues throughout the week, viewers across the country and around the world are tuning in via livestream, making this not just a national event, but a global moment centered on God's Word. Trump's upcoming reading is expected to be one of the most watched segments of the entire initiative.
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