Evangelical pastors lay hands on Trump in Oval Office prayer ceremony
2026-03-06 - 09:42
The White House released striking images Thursday showing President Donald Trump participating in an intimate prayer ceremony with Evangelical Christian leaders in the Oval Office, as American forces continue their military campaign against Iran. The footage, posted on social media by Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, depicts Trump seated at the Resolute Desk with eyes closed while clergy members surround him, placing hands on his shoulders and back in a traditional laying-on-of-hands prayer. Prominent Evangelical figures gather at White House The prayer gathering brought together several influential figures from America's Evangelical community, including Pastor Robert Jeffress, a prominent Evangelical leader known for his close ties to the administration; Samuel Rodriguez, a well-known religious leader and civil rights advocate; and David Barton, a historian and author who has advised Trump on religious liberty issues. The meeting, organized with the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, represents the administration's continued cultivation of relationships with conservative Christian constituencies. Pastor Mullins leads emotional supplication Among those encircling Trump was Pastor Tom Mullins, a longtime acquaintance of the president from Palm Beach, Florida, whose prayer became the most discussed moment of the gathering. In his invocation, Mullins pleaded: "I pray for your grace and your protection over him. I pray for your grace and protection over our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces. And Father, we pray that you would continue to give our president the strength he needs to make our nation one nation under God." The emotional appeal reflected the gravity of the moment as American forces remain engaged in combat operations. War enters second week amid spiritual reflection The Oval Office prayer service comes as the US-Israeli offensive against Iran continues into its second week, with airstrikes and retaliatory attacks claiming thousands of lives across the region. The images of spiritual consultation stand in stark contrast to the kinetic military operations unfolding in the Middle East, highlighting the dual dimensions of presidential responsibility during wartime. For Trump's Evangelical supporters, the ceremony reaffirms their spiritual connection to the administration; for critics, it raises questions about the intersection of religion and statecraft during international conflict. Global reaction to White House imagery The video quickly circulated across international media, sparking diverse reactions from commentators worldwide. Some viewed the imagery as a traditional expression of presidential faith during national crisis, while others questioned the optics of religious ceremony amid escalating military confrontation. Regardless of interpretation, the footage has provided a rare glimpse into the private spiritual practices surrounding the American presidency during one of the most significant military engagements of Trump's tenure.