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Gabbard delivers faith-centered message at Rededicate 250
Gabbard said America’s leaders 250 years ago humbly recognized that they could not depend on their own power or wisdom.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Mon, 18, May 2026
- 02:43 EDT
- 25
Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard looks on during a press briefing, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 23, 2025. / REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard appealed for a day of humility, fasting and prayer as part of her Rededicate 250 celebration message on May 17, highlighting it as a nationwide day of fasting, humility and prayer.
Gabbard, a practicing Hindu, urged viewers to worship the “Supreme Lord.” She highlighted the need to “acknowledge that we are totally dependent upon Him for our success, indeed, for our survival.”
She continued, “Too often, leaders in this world have our eyes covered by pride borne out of our relative power, fame or authority. We lose sight of the fact that we are tiny and our time on this planet is extremely short.”
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ pivotal actions in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, formally declaring the American colonies’ separation from Britain.
ALSO READ: Krishnamoorthi asks Gabbard if Trump misled Congress on Iran
Rededicate 250 was a major National Day of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ call for humility, fasting and prayer in 1776.
It brought together faith leaders, Trump administration officials, including Gabbard, and thousands of Americans to rededicate the nation as “One Nation Under God” ahead of America’s 250th birthday.
This semiquincentennial, America250, celebration honors the Congress’ leadership during the Revolutionary era, with nationwide events reflecting on the nation’s founding principles of liberty and self-governance.
Gabbard, in her video message, said, “They asked for God’s mercy. They asked for his guidance because they knew that the cause before them was beyond their own strength.”
Highlighting the significance of the day in today’s time, she said, “Now today, exactly 250 years later, we gather here on the National Mall to do the same, to give thanks, to ask for forgiveness, and to humbly ask once more for God’s mercy and guidance as we enter the next 250 years of this republic.”
Two hundred and fifty years ago today — on May 17th, 1776 — the Second Continental Congress called for a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) May 18, 2026
Today, exactly 250 years later, we gather to do the same. To humbly ask once more for God's mercy and guidance — as we enter the next… pic.twitter.com/NS1tzIRYTd
Gabbard also said America’s leaders 250 years ago humbly recognized that they could not depend on their own power or wisdom. Instead, they fasted and prayed, seeking God’s protection, guidance and mercy. She emphasized that people remain fully dependent on God today to navigate current challenges and secure peace, freedom and prosperity for future generations.
She concluded by noting, “Let us all today, in the privacy of our own homes and hearts, take shelter in God’s love and remember him.”
Gabbard is an American politician, former U.S. congresswoman from Hawaii (2013–2025), and a veteran of the Iraq War. She gained national prominence as a presidential candidate in 2020 and is known for her anti-interventionist foreign policy views and independent streak.
In 2024–2025, she endorsed Donald Trump and later joined his administration, serving as director of national intelligence.
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