President Donald J. Trump released a Presidential Message on Epiphany dated January 6, 2026.
The message recalls the biblical Epiphany story (Isaiah’s prophecy, the star, and the three wise men traveling to Bethlehem).
The President states that faith in God is resurging in America and asserts that religious freedom is "coming back like never before."
The message links the Epiphany celebration to national themes, noting the United States is celebrating 250 years and thanking God for blessings.
The President and the First Lady join Christians in prayer that the light of Jesus Christ will lead the nation toward justice, generosity, prosperity, and peace.
Follow Up Questions
What is the religious holiday Epiphany and when is it observed?Expand
Epiphany is a Christian feast that celebrates the manifestation (showing) of Jesus Christ to the world, especially his revelation to the Gentiles through the visit of the Magi (wise men) and, in some traditions, his baptism. In most Western Christian churches it is observed every year on January 6, marking the end of the 12 days of Christmas (many Eastern churches keep it on January 6 or January 19, depending on calendar).
Who are the "wise men" mentioned in the message and why are their gifts symbolic?Expand
The “wise men” are the Magi described in the Gospel of Matthew—learned visitors from the East (later tradition calls them three kings) who followed a star to visit the infant Jesus. According to Christian teaching, their gifts are symbolic: gold represents Jesus’ kingship, frankincense his divinity and role in worship, and myrrh his future suffering and death (it was used for burial).
What evidence or actions does the administration cite to support the claim that "religious freedom is coming back like never before"?Expand
In support of the claim that “religious freedom is coming back like never before,” the Trump administration points to several actions, including:
A 2017 executive order on “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty,” directing agencies to vigorously enforce federal religious‑liberty protections and to avoid punishing religious organizations for religious or political speech.
A 2018 initiative and related actions creating the White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, DOJ guidance on 20 principles of religious liberty, and a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division at HHS to enforce religious‑conscience protections.
A 2025 executive order establishing a Religious Liberty Commission, plus creation of a White House Faith Office and a DOJ “Task Force to Eradicate Anti‑Christian Bias,” all described by the White House as measures to strengthen religious liberty.
These are the types of steps the administration commonly cites when making such statements.
What does the statement mean by a "new era of peace is sweeping across the globe"—are there specific agreements or events referenced?Expand
In this Epiphany message, the phrase “a new era of peace is sweeping across the globe” is a broad, aspirational claim; the statement does not name any specific treaties, ceasefires, or peace agreements, so there is no clear way from the text alone to link it to particular events.
Who is referred to as the "First Lady" in this message?Expand
In this message, “the First Lady” refers to Melania Trump, who is listed on the same official White House site as the First Lady in the Trump administration at this time.
When the release is credited to "The White House," which office or officeholder typically issues such ceremonial religious statements?Expand
When a release is credited simply to “The White House” and is a ceremonial or religious message like this one, it is typically drafted and issued by the White House communications/press operation within the Executive Office of the President, expressing the President’s official message rather than being attributed to a specific lower‑level officeholder.