Logan Hayes
During his 2017 National Prayer Breakfast speech, former US President Donald Trump mentioned the death of a US Navy SEAL in Yemen. He also quoted scripture (John 15:13) and spoke about the Navy SEAL's family. Trump's speech was archived by the White House, and it focused on other subjects besides television ratings, contrary to what was portrayed in an image macro circulated on social media. In 2025, Trump again delivered remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he announced a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2nd February 2017 |
| Event | National Prayer Breakfast |
| Location | Washington Hilton |
| Attendees | Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Chaplain's son |
| Topics | Television ratings, death of a U.S. Navy SEAL in Yemen, scripture (John 15:13), religious liberty, anti-Christian bias, anti-Christian violence, anti-Semitism |
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What You'll Learn
Trump mentioned the death of a US Navy SEAL in Yemen
In 2017, at the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump mentioned the death of a US Navy SEAL in Yemen. Specifically, he referred to Chief William "Ryan" Owens, who had been killed in the country while serving the US military.
Trump praised Owens as "America's fallen hero" and expressed his condolences to the Navy SEAL's family, stating:
> "I just came back yesterday from Dover Air Force Base to join the family of Chief William 'Ryan' Owens, as America's fallen hero was returned home. Very, very sad, but very, very beautiful. His family was there. Incredible family, loved him so much. So devastated — he was so devastated. But the ceremony was amazing. He died in defense of our nation."
Trump's comments acknowledged the sacrifice made by Chief Owens and highlighted the impact of his death on his family and the nation.
It is important to note that Trump's speech at this event also covered other topics, including an announcement of his appointment of Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a task force aimed at "eradicating anti-Christian bias." The President's remarks sparked discussions about religious liberty and the role of religion in American society.
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Trump's focus on TV ratings
In 2017, an image macro was circulated on social media, comparing quotes from former President Obama's 2016 National Prayer Breakfast speech with those of President Trump's the following year. The quotes depicted in the image were largely accurate, although Trump's remarks were edited to give the false impression that his speech focused solely on television ratings.
Trump did, in fact, talk about other subjects, including the death of a U.S. Navy SEAL in Yemen and quoted a piece of scripture (John 15:13) during his remarks. However, it is true that Trump has long been obsessed with TV ratings, dating back to his time as host of *The Apprentice*. Trump has been creating alternative ratings facts for years, even using a framed printout of a TV Guide ratings chart to decorate the wall at Mar-a-Lago, showing *The Apprentice* as the number one show.
Trump's obsession continued into his presidency, with the former host claiming that his inauguration drew 31 million viewers, rounding up from 30.6 million, and failing to acknowledge that Barack Obama drew 7.2 million more viewers in 2009. Trump also attacked other TV personalities for their poor ratings, such as Lawrence O'Donnell and Rosie O'Donnell, and even attacked the NFL for supposedly bad ratings in 2014.
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Trump's announcement of a task force to 'eradicate anti-Christian bias'
In 2025, President Donald Trump attended both the Congressional Prayer Breakfast and the National Prayer Breakfast, marking the end of his first term. At the latter, he announced his appointment of Attorney General Pam Bondi to head a task force to "'eradicate anti-Christian bias".
Trump's remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast reflected on his relationship with religion and his belief in the importance of faith and prayer in American life. He stated that his relationship with religion had "changed" after a pair of failed assassination attempts, expressing his desire to bring God back" into people's lives. The President also highlighted the progress made during his administration, including his efforts to defend religious liberty and protect faith communities.
Trump's announcement of the task force was met with mixed reactions. Some interpreted it as a commitment to protecting religious believers and upholding religious liberty, while others questioned the focus solely on "anti-Christian bias". There were also concerns about the potential implications for secular Americans and religious groups that disagreed with the administration.
The task force's mission, as outlined by Trump, was to "immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government". This included agencies such as the DOJ, IRS, and FBI. The task force was also tasked with prosecuting anti-Christian violence and vandalism and defending the rights of Christians and religious believers nationwide.
Trump's emphasis on eradicating anti-Christian bias reflected his administration's stance on religious issues. He had previously taken executive actions to stop taxpayer funding for colleges and universities that were perceived as critical of Christianity and Judaism. Additionally, the administration had clashed with religious leaders who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and migrant communities.
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Trump's mention of God and religion
In 2017, President Donald Trump mentioned God, religion, and scripture in his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. He quoted a piece of scripture (John 15:13) and talked about the death of a U.S. Navy SEAL in Yemen. Trump also mentioned God and religion at the Congressional Prayer Breakfast in 2025, where he announced the appointment of Pam Bondi to head a task force to "eradicate anti-Christian bias". Trump has been criticised for his repeated criticisms of Jews and his clash with religious leaders, such as Rev. Mariann Budde. However, he has also taken executive action to stop taxpayer dollars from funding colleges and universities that spread negative sentiments about Christianity and anti-Semitism.
At the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, Trump's speech included references to God and religion. He quoted scripture, saying, "No one has inspired me more in my travels than the families of the United States military, men and women who have put their lives on the line every day for their country and their countrymen." He also mentioned the death of a U.S. Navy SEAL in Yemen, honouring his service and sacrifice.
Trump's commitment to religious liberty and the defence of religious believers has been a recurring theme in his administration. He has taken executive actions to protect religious freedom, including the constitutional right to pray in public schools. Additionally, he has redirected taxpayer funding away from colleges and universities that spread negative sentiments about Christianity and anti-Semitism.
However, Trump's relationship with religion and his administration's actions have not been without controversy. He has been criticised for his repeated criticisms of Jews and his clashes with religious leaders, such as Rev. Mariann Budde, who called for mercy for the LGBTQ+ community and migrants in the country illegally. Despite his stated commitment to religious liberty, Trump's actions and words have polarised Americans, with some interpreting them as an attack on secularism and inclusivity.
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Trump's attendance at two prayer breakfasts
On the 6th of February 2025, President Donald Trump attended two prayer breakfasts: the Congressional Prayer Breakfast and the National Prayer Breakfast. At both events, he reflected on a recent assassination attempt on his life, telling the attendees that his relationship with religion had "changed".
At the first event, Trump urged Americans to "bring God back" into their lives, stating that people "can't be happy without religion, without that belief". He also announced that he was appointing Attorney General Pam Bondi to head a task force to "eradicate anti-Christian bias". Trump's comments at the Congressional Prayer Breakfast caused concern among non-conservative Christians, non-Christians, and non-believers.
At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump struck a more partisan tone, announcing that he was forming a commission on religious liberty and criticising the Biden administration for the "persecution" of believers. He also took credit for his administration's efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and to limit transgender participation in women's sports.
In his 2017 National Prayer Breakfast speech, Trump also mentioned Yemen, referring to the death of a US Navy SEAL in the country and quoting a piece of scripture (John 15:13). He further stated that he had directed officials in his administration to request that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allow food, fuel, water, and medicine to reach the Yemeni people.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Trump mentioned Yemen at the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast. He spoke about the death of a U.S. Navy SEAL in the country.
Trump quoted scripture (John 15:13) and thanked Senate Chaplain Barry Black for his "moving words".
Yes, in 2025 Trump spoke at the Congressional Prayer Breakfast and the National Prayer Breakfast.
Trump announced he was appointing Pam Bondi to head a task force to "eradicate anti-Christian bias". He also said that he wanted to bring God back into people's lives.
