The second inauguration of President Donald J. Trump took place on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. President Heo Yeon-hang (허연행) of the New York Council of Korean Churches (NYCKC) commented on the event, describing it as having an unprecedentedly strong Christian tone.

President Heo highlighted President Trump’s use of both Abraham Lincoln’s Bible and his personal Bible during the oath of office, interpreting it as a reflection of Trump’s faith transcending a mere cultural dimension. “This demonstrates that President Trump’s faith is deeply personal and meaningful,” he said.

“We are grateful to witness the great nation of America, founded by the Puritans, being reborn as a God-centered country,” President Heo said. He also suggested that Trump’s personal declaration of faith signals the direction of his future policies.

President Heo further commended Trump’s interpretation of last year’s assassination attempt as an act of divine providence, linking it to his sense of mission. “When President Trump declared, ‘I was saved by God to make America great again,’ it was a profound statement,” he said. “This recognizes God’s providence and reaffirms his mission as a national leader.”

President Heo also mentioned Trump’s clear stance on gender ideology. Trump’s declaration that “As of today, the official policy of the United States government is that there are only two genders: male and female” was seen as a return to biblical values. “This policy will bring significant changes to public school sex education and will be welcome news for Christian parents,” President Heo said.

Regarding the Christian atmosphere of the inauguration, President Heo described it as “akin to a worship service.” He particularly noted Reverend Franklin Graham’s opening prayer, saying, “Reverend Graham’s prayer, stating, ‘If we turn our backs on You, America will never be great again,’ was a heartfelt plea for America’s spiritual restoration.”

President Heo also reflected on the blessings bestowed upon America, likening them to the promises in Deuteronomy 28:1. “God rejoices in America’s commitment to world missions, opening the doors of blessing wide as promised—pouring out blessings that elevate America above all nations,” he said.

While acknowledging the inauguration’s emphasis on “harmony” and “worship,” President Heo noted the ongoing challenges of racial, ideological, and economic divisions in American society. “It remains to be seen whether these messages will translate into policies that achieve true unity,” he stated.

In conclusion, President Heo emphasized, “If America once again honors God, He will honor America. If America refrains from saying ‘Yes’ to what God has said ‘No’ to, and ‘No’ to what God has said ‘Yes’ to, He will bless this nation again.”

President Heo’s reflections underscore the expectation that Trump’s second term will significantly influence America’s religious and social values. Many Christian leaders share these hopes, anticipating that the Trump administration will fulfill such expectations and lead the nation toward unity and progress.

*This article is a revised translation of an article originally published by Christianity Daily.