Quick summary:
• President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is hosting an interfaith prayer service, requiring a $100,000 donation or $200,000 in fundraising to attend.
• Critics argue the event creates a “pay-to-pray” dynamic, where exclusivity grants attendees proximity to Trump and his administration.
• Trump’s inauguration committee is projected to raise unprecedented funds, with tickets to other events costing millions for higher levels of access.
• Concerns have been raised about potential misuse of funds, as Trump’s first inauguration faced lawsuits over improper financial dealings.
• Wealthy donors and corporations are speculated to gain influence over Trump’s administration through contributions to the inauguration fund.
• Trump’s prayer event aligns with past efforts to blend Christian nationalist themes into his political narrative.
• Federal Election Commission reporting will be required to disclose the sources and uses of these funds, drawing continued scrutiny.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office for his second term, controversy is already brewing over an exclusive interfaith prayer service planned for January 19, 2025. The “One America, One Light Sunday Service,” part of Trump’s inauguration week events, is drawing sharp criticism for its exorbitant ticket prices—$100,000 per pair or $200,000 raised through donations—payable to Trump’s inauguration committee.
Critics have labeled the event a “pay-to-pray” scheme, accusing Trump of monetizing religious participation while catering to wealthy donors who may use the event to exert influence over his administration. The controversy underscores broader concerns about the role of money in politics and the ethical boundaries of presidential inaugural committees.
The “One America, One Light Sunday Service” is being billed as a “morning interfaith service featuring our revered United States Military bands with President Donald J. Trump and Mrs. Melania Trump.” While the event is ostensibly designed to unite Americans in prayer, the high cost of attendance raises questions about who this service is truly accessible to.
For individuals unable to afford the $100,000 price tag, the event allows participation through raising $200,000 from other donors—making it clear that financial exclusivity is the main gateway to attend. Axios first reported on the service earlier this month, noting that it is part of a suite of donor-only events, including a cabinet reception and a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and his wife. Those who donate $1 million or raise $2 million are granted six tickets to the inauguration events.
The Trump transition team has not confirmed many details about the service, including its location or the religious figures involved. However, the lack of transparency has done little to assuage critics, who see the event as emblematic of Trump’s long-standing pattern of prioritizing wealth and exclusivity over inclusivity and accessibility.
The event has sparked backlash from religious leaders and civil rights groups who argue that attaching a price tag to a prayer service undermines its spiritual purpose. They have voiced concerns that the event serves as a platform for wealthy individuals to gain proximity to Trump, potentially influencing his policies.
“Turning a sacred act like prayer into a transactional experience is not just unethical—it’s a dangerous precedent,” said Reverend Amelia Johnson, a vocal critic of Trump’s religious events. “Faith should unite people, not divide them by their financial status.”
The controversy is also fueling fears that the event could deepen ties between Trump and Christian nationalist groups, many of which played a significant role in his re-election campaign. Observers worry that such groups might use their access to push for a more radical, religion-infused political agenda.
This is not the first time Trump’s inaugural committee has faced scrutiny. During his first inauguration in 2017, Trump’s committee came under fire for allegedly misusing funds. A lawsuit filed by then-Attorney General of Washington, D.C., Karl Racine, accused Trump of enriching himself through his properties, which overcharged the inaugural committee for events. The case was settled in 2022, with Trump’s company agreeing to pay $750,000 to nonprofit organizations promoting civic engagement and democracy.
The parallels to 2025’s inauguration are striking. Reports indicate that Trump has been actively inquiring about how much corporations and individuals are donating to his inaugural committee, a move critics see as an attempt to reward big donors with preferential treatment during his presidency.
Trump’s relationship with evangelical and Christian nationalist groups has been a defining feature of his political identity. Figures like Pastor Robert Jeffress, who delivered the sermon at Trump’s 2017 inaugural prayer service, have played key roles in shaping his image as a champion of conservative religious values.
This year, Trump’s ties to such groups appear stronger than ever. Sean Feucht, an evangelical Christian musician and activist, has announced plans for a separate worship service in support of Trump’s inauguration. However, Feucht has faced logistical challenges, including being denied permission to use a historic Catholic church for the event. Feucht’s struggles illustrate the polarizing nature of Trump’s religious outreach efforts, which continue to draw both fervent support and vehement opposition.
The “One America, One Light Sunday Service” raises significant ethical questions about the intersection of religion, politics, and money. Inaugural committees are intended to fund events celebrating a new administration, but critics argue that Trump’s approach prioritizes donor relationships over public service.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) requires inaugural committees to report their fundraising activities within 90 days of Inauguration Day. However, transparency has historically been an issue, with inaugural committees often shrouded in secrecy regarding how funds are raised and spent. Given Trump’s track record, watchdog groups are calling for heightened scrutiny of this year’s committee.
Historically, inaugural prayer services have been seen as unifying moments for the nation. Presidents from both parties have participated in interfaith services at venues like St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Washington National Cathedral. However, Trump’s approach—marked by exclusivity and allegations of self-enrichment—risks undermining the tradition’s intended purpose.
The “One America, One Light Sunday Service” is facing criticism for its high entry costs and perceived exclusivity, raising questions about the role of wealth in accessing events associated with the Trump inauguration. Critics have called attention to concerns about transparency and fairness, as well as the potential for such events to deepen ties between Trump and influential groups advocating for a religiously infused political agenda. Federal Election Commission oversight will play a key role in ensuring transparency regarding the funds raised for and spent on these events.
To read the flyer that also indicates that Trump will be holding an inauguration rally on Saturday, January 18, click here.
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