Trump Charges $100K to Attend Church with Him: “Pay-to-Pray”

On January 19, just before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump is slated to attend an interfaith prayer service in Washington, D.C. However, attendance comes with a steep price: supporters are reportedly being charged $100,000 per ticket, or $200,000 to secure two spots at the “One America, One Light Sunday Service.”

The revelation, first reported by Religion News Service (RNS), comes from promotional material circulated by Trump’s inaugural committee. The material outlines various donor “tiers” tied to exclusive events. For instance, on January 18, donors can join a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” a Cabinet reception, and a dinner with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The next day, top-tier donors gain access to the prayer service. RNS journalist Jack Jenkins has dubbed it a “pay-to-pray” scheme.

Controversial Hosts and Uncertainty

Despite the hefty price tag, key details about the service remain unclear. The location has not been disclosed, and it’s uncertain who will lead the event. Conservative evangelical activist Sean Feucht, known for promoting Christian nationalist ideals, is hosting a related event on January 18 called “Revive in ’25.” This event will reportedly take place at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Capitol Hill. However, the church’s pastor, Rev. William H. Gurnee, has denied final approval.

“While I was asked to host the event, I informed the organizer that I needed more information, and it was mistakenly reported that final permission was granted,” Rev. Gurnee told RNS. “It is my feeling that this event would be better hosted at another location.”

Defiance Amid Pushback

Feucht remains undeterred. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he reaffirmed his plans. “This is STILL happening. ‘Judah will go first’ on January 19,” he wrote, invoking a biblical reference. Feucht has drawn both fervent supporters and sharp critics for his past events, which often blend worship with political activism.

Historical Context and Public Reaction

This isn’t the first time Trump’s actions at a religious venue have sparked controversy. In 2017, St. John’s Episcopal Church hosted an inaugural service for Trump. Three years later, the same church became the backdrop for a notorious photo-op. Trump posed with a Bible after law enforcement forcibly cleared peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters.

The Rt. Rev. Marianne Budde, who oversees the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, strongly condemned the 2020 incident. “I was horrified by the violence police used against protesters,” she said. St. John’s has yet to confirm whether it will host any events for Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

Voices of Concern

Critics argue that monetizing access to a prayer service undermines its spiritual purpose. “This commodifies faith and prayer, turning them into perks for the wealthy,” said Dr. Ellen Withers, a theologian at Georgetown University. “It’s deeply troubling for those who view worship as a communal, inclusive act.”

Even among Trump’s supporters, some express unease. “I’m a lifelong Republican, but asking for $100,000 to attend a church service feels exploitative,” said Anna Delgado, a donor from Virginia. “Faith should unite people, not divide them by income.”

Broader Implications

The “pay-to-pray” controversy raises questions about the role of religion in politics and the commercialization of faith. Will this set a precedent for future administrations, or will public backlash prompt change? As January 19 approaches, all eyes will be on Trump’s inaugural events—and the ethical dilemmas they pose.

This developing story highlights not just political maneuvering but the complex interplay between faith, power, and money. Stay tuned for updates.