As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, the advocacy group American Atheists has issued a forceful rebuttal to what it describes as a rising tide of Christian nationalism within the current political administration. The organisation, which represents secular humanists and non-religious Americans, argues that the nation's foundational principles are being dangerously misrepresented.
In a detailed statement, American Atheists President Nick Fish framed the nation's history as a "radical attempt to forge a constitutional republic of, by, and for the people." He emphasised that the founders rejected monarchic and theocratic rule in favour of a secular government guided by Enlightenment ideals of human rights and individual liberty. The longevity of this "American Experiment," Fish contends, depends on each generation's willingness to defend its secular, pluralistic foundations.
The group's critique focuses on recent actions by the Trump administration, which it accuses of "repeatedly violat[ing] the First Amendment" by merging sectarian language with state power. It cites several examples from the recent holiday season, including Vice President Mike Pence stating "Christianity is America’s creed" at a Turning Point USA event, and official Christmas messages from multiple cabinet departments—including Homeland Security, Labour, and Justice—that exclusively referenced Christian theology.
American Atheists insists this trend extends beyond seasonal rhetoric. They accuse the White House of systematically recasting historical milestones, such as the Emancipation Proclamation and the Pledge of Allegiance, as evidence of a divinely ordained Christian nation. The group counters this narrative with its own historical analysis.
It argues the Emancipation Proclamation was the result of relentless human activism, not inevitable divine intervention. Furthermore, it highlights that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance was not original; it was added in 1954 by religious lobbyists and politicians. The pledge's author, Francis Bellamy, was a socialist and a staunch advocate for the separation of church and state who would have likely been opposed to the addition.
"Progress in our country has always resulted from ordinary people insisting on expanding democracy and achieving liberty, equality, and justice for all," Fish writes. Defending the separation of religion and government, the group asserts, is not a niche issue but a critical effort to protect democratic equality for everyone.
Looking ahead to 2026, American Atheists has pledged a renewed campaign to expose efforts to infuse government with sectarian power, empower communities to respond to civil rights attacks, and build broad coalitions that uphold dissent as essential to democracy. The organisation concludes by framing the nation's strength as residing in pluralism and a shared commitment to an "unfinished project" of building a democracy inclusive enough for all citizens and their differences.
