The President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, and his wife, Melania Trump, have urged Americans “to embrace a season of prayer, repentance, fasting, and spiritual renewal” in what commentators have described as “unprecedented,” “deeply religious,” and “sermon-like” press release in a secular Western culture.
In their joint Lenten message, given on Ash Wednesday, 19 Feb 2026, the First Family highlighted the significance of prayer, fasting and almsgiving in the Christian Life.
The president and his wife stated that “As the holy season of Lent begins, we are reminded that the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have been foundational to our strength from the earliest days of our national story.”
Trump, 79, and Melania, 55, emphasised that “This Ash Wednesday, as we remember the Passion and ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we send our best wishes for a meaningful Lenten season.”
They also acknowledged the early colonial prayer traditions of the US built on faith-based service, which have guided the country to modern times.
Going down memory lane, the White House emphasised the enduring spiritual foundation of America, stressing that, “From the Colonists who turned to prayer and fasting in the heart of the Revolutionary War to the unmatched compassion and generosity of America’s churches, hospitals, and charitable institutions, these righteous acts of faith over the centuries have always stood at the center of our identity, our heritage, and our way of life.”
U.S President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
It also underlined that “the 40-day journey of prayer and sacrifice modelled after Jesus Christ and encourages believers to renew their faith through Gospel-centered practices.”
The White House’s powerful Lenten message emphasised that “as Christians receive ashes in the sign of the cross, the message reflects on faith, national heritage, and the importance of returning to God during this sacred season leading to Easter.”
Although Trump is believed to have been confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens, in 1956 and later attended Marble Collegiate Church, New York City, he is identified as a non-denominational Christian.
Recognised as the second Catholic First Lady in U.S history, following Jacqueline Kennedy, Melania, who was raised in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia) has strong Catholic roots.
In 2017, the First Lady publicly affirmed her faith during a visit to the Vatican as a Catholic pilgrim, where Pope Francis blessed her rosary beads.
