Trump Takes Credit for Bible Sales Boom, Sparking Outrage Among Religious Leaders

The president's comments at the National Prayer Breakfast raise questions about his understanding of faith and religious expression.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a surprising move at the National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump claimed credit for a recent surge in Bible sales in the United States, stating that "in 2025, more copies of the Holy Bible were sold in the United States than at any time in the last 100 years." This statement has drawn criticism from religious leaders, who argue that Trump's comments demonstrate a lack of understanding about the true meaning and power of faith.

Why it matters

Trump's comments have sparked outrage among religious leaders, who argue that the president is inappropriately taking credit for something that should be attributed to the divine. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and certain religious communities, particularly those who have been critical of the president's policies and rhetoric.

The details

During his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump suggested that the increase in Bible sales was due to his presidency, stating that "Mike Johnson is a very religious person" and that Johnson would sometimes ask Trump to pray with him during their lunch meetings. However, religious leaders have pushed back, arguing that Trump's comments demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of faith in people's lives.

  • The National Prayer Breakfast took place in Washington, D.C. last week.
  • Trump made his comments about the increase in Bible sales during his remarks at the event.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who made the controversial comments about Bible sales at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Mike Johnson

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana, who Trump described as "a very religious person" who would sometimes ask to pray with him during their lunch meetings.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Trump's comments at the National Prayer Breakfast have raised concerns among religious leaders about the president's understanding of faith and its role in people's lives. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and certain religious communities, and raises questions about the president's ability to connect with and respect diverse religious perspectives.