BRIEFING ROOM

When Project 2025 was first exposed, it was widely viewed as a blueprint to remake America into a white Christian nation. It was alarming then. Now, just months into Trump’s second administration, many of its goals are no longer theoretical. They are unfolding in plain sight.

Nothing illustrates this more clearly than tomorrow’s Christian nationalist rally on the National Mall, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The White House has described the event as a gathering for Americans to come together through “Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God.” But America is not a Christian nation. It is a nation of many faiths, including those who practice no faith at all. Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom and protects every American from government-imposed religion, safeguarding religious minorities from exclusion and discrimination.

Music will also be provided by the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The military is a branch of the federal government, funded by taxpayers of all faiths and backgrounds. Its participation in an overtly Christian event sends a clear message: the government is aligning itself with one religion rather than remaining neutral.

Tomorrow’s event is especially troubling for the Jewish community. When Christianity becomes part of national identity, religious freedom is at risk. The rise of Christian nationalism has also coincided with a rise in antisemitism.

One of the speakers is Greg Locke, whom Right Wing Watch has described as a radical right-wing pastor and conspiracy theorist, reflecting how extremism and Christian nationalism have become increasingly intertwined.

The separation of church and state has long been central to JAC’s mission. When JAC was founded more than 40 years ago, we understood the dangers of government favoring one religion over others, and today, that principle feels more relevant and important than ever.

The danger is growing more urgent and more widespread: in book bans, religious exemptions that deny reproductive healthcare, and efforts to inject religion into public schools. That is why legislation like the Do No Harm Act is so critical. It clarifies that religious freedom cannot be used to justify discrimination or deny civil rights, healthcare, or access to services. 

Call your Representatives and Senators at 202-224-3121. Urge them to act on this bill (H.R. 1954, Senate Bill 894). Once religion becomes a tool of political power, the rights of minorities are always the first to be threatened, but never the last.