President Trump Proclaims January 16, 2026, as Religious Freedom Day

Annual Observance of Religious Freedom

President Donald Trump has officially proclaimed January 16, 2026, as Religious Freedom Day for the United States. This annual observance honors the nation's enduring commitment to religious liberty, a principle deeply rooted in American history. The proclamation calls upon all Americans to commemorate the day with events and activities that celebrate the country's heritage of religious freedom.

Historical Roots of Religious Freedom Day

Religious Freedom Day commemorates the adoption of the landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This pivotal statute was originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and later championed through the Virginia Legislature by James Madison. Its principles became a foundational element for the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Establishment Clause, which guarantees the free exercise of religion and prevents the establishment of a state religion. Presidents have issued proclamations recognizing January 16 as Religious Freedom Day annually since 1993.

Administration's Focus on Faith and Liberty

In his 2026 proclamation, President Trump emphasized the administration's efforts to bring faith 'back to the public square' and foster a 'renewal of faith' across various sectors of American life. The proclamation highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the administration to protect and promote religious freedom, including:

• The establishment of the White House Faith Office.
• The creation of the Religious Liberty Commission.
• The formation of a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias.

The Religious Liberty Commission was established via Executive Order on May 1, 2025, with Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick appointed as Chairman and Dr. Ben Carson as Vice Chair. This commission is tasked with advising the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on religious liberty policies and recommending steps to secure domestic religious freedom. The administration has also previously focused on protecting conscience rights, ensuring equal access to funding for religious institutions, and defending faith communities against government overreach.

Broader Initiatives and Significance

The proclamation also referenced the administration's 'Freedom 250 initiative' and 'America Prays,' further underscoring a broader effort to integrate faith into national discourse as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary of independence. Religious Freedom Day serves as a reminder of what is often referred to as the 'First Freedom,' celebrating the ability of individuals to live peacefully according to their religious beliefs, a cornerstone of a free society.