President Donald Trump mixed humor with a message about faith and America’s founding during his speech Friday at the annual Faith & Freedom Coalition conference, drawing laughter after joking that he was left out of one of the nation’s most important historical documents.
Speaking before thousands of conservative activists, elected officials, and faith leaders in Washington, D.C., Trump focused much of his remarks on religious liberty, America’s Christian heritage, and the importance of preserving the nation’s founding values.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the audience before Trump took the stage, emphasizing the role of faith and conservative principles as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year.
Trump told attendees that his administration has made protecting religious freedom a top priority.
“We saved religious freedom in America,” Trump said. “It was going down, but now it’s coming back.”
The president then reflected on the country’s earliest history, arguing that faith has been a driving force behind many of America’s defining moments.
According to Trump, the first English settlers at Jamestown began their journey in the New World by raising a cross and praying together. He also praised the faith of the Revolutionary generation, saying it inspired the patriots who fought for American independence.
While discussing the Declaration of Independence, Trump paused to deliver one of the event’s most memorable lines.
“Our founders invoked the Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence,” Trump said with a smile. “I wasn’t mentioned once. I’m very disappointed. Not once.”
The audience erupted in laughter as the president made it clear he was joking before returning to his broader message.
Trump went on to argue that faith has played a central role throughout American history, crediting religious conviction with helping shape the nation’s westward expansion, inspiring the movement to abolish slavery, and strengthening generations of Americans during times of challenge.
He also warned that protecting America’s religious traditions requires continued vigilance.
“It was going very badly just a few years ago,” Trump said. “Now it’s back really strong, but we have to be very careful because bad things are happening.”
Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, Trump reminded attendees of the well-known verse, “With God all things are possible,” saying those words continue to inspire millions of Americans today.
The president concluded by looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday in 2027, calling it an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s founding ideals and religious heritage.
Trump referenced a recent gathering on the National Mall where participants reaffirmed the country’s identity as “One Nation Under God.”
“We officially rededicated America as ‘One Nation Under God,'” Trump said. “And we’re not changing.”
The remarks received repeated applause from the audience, reflecting the conference’s strong emphasis on faith, religious liberty, and the traditional values that many attendees believe have shaped the American story.
As the 2026 election season continues and preparations begin for the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, Trump has increasingly emphasized themes of faith, patriotism, and America’s founding principles in speeches to conservative audiences. Friday’s address continued that message while providing a lighthearted moment that quickly became one of the conference’s most talked-about lines.