Mike Johnson Slammed for Using ‘Fake Prayer’

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing criticism after celebrating his re-election on Friday by reciting a prayer he falsely attributed to Thomas Jefferson, a key figure in America’s founding. Critics argue this move is part of a broader effort to reshape U.S. history to align with Christian nationalist ideologies.

Amanda Marcotte of Salon highlighted the issue on Tuesday, describing Johnson’s act as more than just a historical blunder. “Replacing facts with phony history is a linchpin of the Christian nationalist movement,” she wrote. According to Marcotte, Johnson’s choice of words was intentional, designed to mislead and reinforce false narratives about America’s founding principles.

Johnson introduced the so-called “Jefferson prayer” by claiming it was “quite familiar to historians,” a statement Marcotte believes was a calculated move. “Why mention historians if you didn’t consult a single one?” she questioned. “It’s as though he was baiting experts to correct him, while subtly mocking their expertise. It’s a deliberate nod to Christian nationalist tactics of elevating ideology over truth.”

Marcotte also linked Johnson’s actions to David Barton, a controversial figure often criticized for distorting historical facts. Barton’s work frequently promotes the idea that the United States was founded as a Christian theocracy, a claim widely debunked by credible historians.

“Barton’s scholarship is a thinly veiled effort to erase the founders’ commitment to separating church and state,” Marcotte argued. “Instead, he crafts a fictional history where the founders supposedly sought to enshrine Christianity in law.”

Johnson’s use of the fabricated prayer, Marcotte explained, aligns with Barton’s narrative and reflects a broader strategy to rewrite American history to serve right-wing religious agendas.

Historians quickly debunked Johnson’s claim. Dr. Caroline Hill, a Jefferson scholar, called the move “deeply troubling.” She explained, “Jefferson was a staunch advocate for religious freedom and would never have penned such a prayer. This misrepresentation undermines the values he championed.”

Lawmakers also weighed in. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a constitutional law expert, described the incident as “an affront to both history and democracy.” He added, “Twisting Jefferson’s legacy to justify Christian nationalism is not just dishonest—it’s dangerous.”

Critics view Johnson’s actions as part of a growing trend among Christian nationalists to challenge established historical truths. By recasting Jefferson—a vocal advocate for separating church and state—as a proponent of religious governance, they aim to reshape public understanding of America’s founding values.

“Johnson’s fabricated prayer wasn’t just a mistake,” Marcotte concluded. “It was a deliberate swipe at Jefferson’s principles and an attempt to delegitimize the very concept of religious freedom.”

The incident has reignited debates about the role of religion in government and the importance of protecting historical accuracy.