Sen. Josh Hawley introduced new legislation Tuesday requiring all federal buildings to display the national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Breitbart reported that the bill coincides with a renewed national conversation over America’s founding values, as former President Donald Trump launches an initiative promoting public prayer ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The proposed law, titled the “In God We Trust Act,” would direct the federal government to ensure the phrase is inscribed or visibly displayed on every public building across the country. The General Services Administration would be given one year from the bill’s enactment to make these changes.

Legislation Tied to American Heritage and Patriotism

Hawley framed the legislation as a tribute to the nation's historical principles and a reaffirmation of its spiritual foundations. He noted that the motto was formally established by Congress in 1956, a decision rooted in the ideological tensions of the Cold War era.

“Our national motto goes all the way back to the days of President Lincoln,” Hawley said Tuesday. He referenced the 1956 adoption of the phrase during what he described as “the rise of atheist communism,” arguing that its presence in government spaces continues to hold significance.

The senator introduced the concept publicly during a 2024 speech at the National Conservatism Conference. In that address, he criticized the display of transgender flags on government buildings and proposed replacing them with the national motto.

Trump Launches Religious Freedom Effort

The timing of the bill aligns closely with former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new faith-based initiative, “America Prays.” Unveiled on Monday at Washington’s Museum of the Bible, the campaign encourages Americans to engage in weekly public prayers as the country approaches its 250th birthday in 2026.

Trump used the event to promote prayer as a foundational element of American identity, declaring that the nation has “always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer.” The initiative has reportedly gained the support of more than 70 faith-centered organizations.

“Never apologize for our faith,” Trump urged the audience during his speech. He also revealed the Bible used during both of his presidential inaugurations, which is now on display at the museum.

Debate Over Source of Rights Sparks Political Responses

The renewed emphasis on religion and national values has surfaced broader ideological disagreements in Washington about the origins of American rights. The divide emerged during a Senate hearing last week when Sen. Tim Kaine raised concern over attributing rights to a divine source rather than to democratic institutions.

Kaine called it “extremely troubling” to assert that rights originate from God. His comments drew sharp criticism from several Republican colleagues, including Sen. Ted Cruz.

Cruz rebutted Kaine’s statement by citing the Declaration of Independence. He emphasized that the Founders wrote that rights are “endowed by their Creator,” a principle that continues to underpin many conservative interpretations of American freedom.

Reactions Reflect Growing Culture War Lines

In response to Kaine’s testimony, Trump said the senator “should be ashamed of himself,” further intensifying the debate surrounding the nation’s spiritual legacy. The exchange highlighted the widening ideological fissures surrounding the place of faith in public life.

Hawley positioned his bill as a way to heal that divide. “This bill would restore faith to its rightful place in the halls of government,” he stated. He linked the proposal to the upcoming semiquincentennial celebration, arguing that such a milestone merits a recommitment to the country's founding principles.

He added that the legislation would help ensure both the government and the people remember “the ultimate source” of the country’s liberty and prosperity.

Next Steps and Broader Implications

If passed, the In God We Trust Act would require modifications to thousands of federal buildings, including courthouses, offices, and other public facilities. The GSA would take on the logistical task of managing the installations nationwide.

The bill has yet to gain full bipartisan traction and could face challenges in both chambers, particularly as discussions around the separation of church and state continue to stir debate. Still, the introduction signals a resurgence of interest in symbolic expressions of national heritage within government spaces.

As the country prepares for its 250th anniversary in 2026, both the legislation and Trump’s spiritual campaign are likely to remain touchpoints in the conversation over what values define the United States. The emphasis on public expressions of faith may continue to shape policy debates as the milestone approaches.