President Donald Trump stirred the room at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday when he questioned how “a person of faith can vote for a Democrat,” a remark that drew a wave of groans across the audience.
The breakfast, held in Washington and dating back to the 1950s, is known for its bipartisan tradition and its focus on unity and prayer rather than political attacks. Trump’s comments broke that tone almost immediately.
He followed up by saying he knew some Democrats were in the room but added, “I don’t know why they’re here. Because they certainly don’t give us their vote.”
More than 160 House Democrats identify as Christian, according to congressional records.
Trump used the moment to criticize Democratic opposition to voter identification laws. “They don’t want to approve it. They cheat,” he said, prompting tension in what is normally one of Washington’s calmest annual events.
Many attendees reacted quietly, but some groaned at the direct partisan shot. The breakfast was originally created as a gathering where lawmakers and presidents could come together despite political divides.
Trump then shifted to something lighter — or at least meant to be — by bringing up a comment he made at last year’s Prayer Breakfast. At that event, he joked that he wouldn’t “make it to Heaven,” and it became a moment widely shared online.
He said the line was misunderstood. “The New York Times did a story that Donald Trump is questioning his life and the meaning of his life,” he said. “No, I was just having fun.”
Trump explained why he agreed to return to the 2026 breakfast. “I need all the help I can get,” he said, adding that despite his past comments, he believes he should “probably make it” into Heaven.
“I’m not a perfect candidate,” Trump said with a grin, “but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people.”
The crowd reacted with a mix of laughter and unease, reflecting the unusual blend of humor and sharp political lines that has marked many of Trump’s recent public appearances.
This year’s National Prayer Breakfast had been expected to follow the same format as usual: lawmakers, religious leaders and public officials reflecting on faith and the challenges facing the nation.
Instead, Trump’s remarks became the moment many attendees discussed afterward.
Some noted that previous presidents used the breakfast to lower political tension, especially during moments of national strain. Trump’s comments, by contrast, reignited debate about religion, voting and political identity — topics that have grown more divisive in recent years.
Still, organizers closed the event by reminding attendees that the breakfast’s purpose remains unchanged: to pray for one another, regardless of party.
Trump’s comments at the National Prayer Breakfast revived a familiar pattern: humor mixed with pointed political criticism. What was meant to be a unifying event instead highlighted the country’s ongoing divides over faith and politics.
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