May 17, 2026. Thousands of Americans are gathering for scripture readings, musical performances, and prayers for the country, together with cabinet members, prominent faith and community leaders, and actor performances.
To mark the run-up to America's 250th birthday, the White House and grassroots organizers have come together to host "Rededicate 250," an all-day prayer celebration and religious festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The date was specifically chosen because on May 17, 1776, the Continental Congress proclaimed a national day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, weeks before declaring independence.
As part of this weekend's celebrations, and during Jewish American Heritage Month, the administration has also called on Jewish Americans to observe a "national Sabbath," coming together in gratitude for the nation's independence.
The announced death of the "woke era"
The height of the "woke era" occurred in the early 2020s, with 2020 to 2022 widely considered its peak of cultural dominance and institutional influence. During this time, concepts like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) saw unprecedented adoption across corporate, academic, and entertainment sectors.
Since that peak, the movement has experienced a significant shift. Observers describe the current cultural climate as a period of major pushback. The Trump administration has been explicitly and repeatedly advocated for the protection and reinstatement of Judeo-Christian values to the U.S. and globally, making it a cornerstone of both its domestic and international policies.
Through the State Department’s Commission on Unalienable Rights, the administration sought to re-examine human rights discourse to align it more closely with the nation’s founding principles, natural law, and religious heritage.
Conservative allies and faith leaders view these efforts as a necessary return to the moral bedrock that founded the country and a valiant defense of religious liberty worldwide.
