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America's 250th: How Long Has the US Used the Phrases ‘In God We Trust’ and ‘Under God’?
Both phrases gained official status in the 1950s as Cold War lawmakers and religious groups pushed to elevate faith in public life.
- On Sunday, May 17, House Speaker Mike Johnson led thousands in prayer at the National Mall for the 'Rededicate 250' event, invoking 'One Nation, Under God' and 'In God We Trust' to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
- Cold War ideological struggles against the Soviet Union fueled adoption of these religious phrases in the 1950s, prompting President Dwight Eisenhower to sign legislation establishing 'In God We Trust' as the official motto.
- Around 1952, advocacy for 'Under God' intensified through religious groups and Pastor George M. Docherty, who promoted the addition during a 1954 sermon; Congress passed the change within six months, which Eisenhower signed.
- Johnson claims the phrases represent the nation's 'deeply embedded history,' yet scholars argue their widespread usage has modern roots rather than dating to the founding period, revealing differing views on religion's role in America.
- Remarks from President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Rededicate 250 jubilee emphasized the ongoing focus on religious tradition in American public life and national heritage.
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23 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center22Last UpdatedBias Distribution96% Center
Bias Distribution
- 96% of the sources are Center
96% Center
C 96%
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