Photo credit: The White House
On a recent episode of The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, host Ari Hoffman spoke with White House Faith Director Jenny Korn to discuss a notable shift in the national conversation: the resurgence of religion in American public life, particularly under the current administration.
“This White House seems more faith-oriented than we’ve seen in a long time,” Hoffman noted at the top of the segment. “It’s like faith is being welcomed back into the national conversation.”
“He believes God saved his life for a reason—to bring America back to a 'Golden Age.'”
My interview with White House Faith Director Jenny Korn to discuss the resurgence of religion in American public life, particularly under the Trump administration. pic.twitter.com/Zj8hw6vqdF
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) May 4, 2025
Korn, who joined the show fresh from National Day of Prayer events at the White House, confirmed that sentiment.
“We celebrated with over 200 faith leaders from across the religious spectrum—Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and many others,” she said. “President Trump welcomed them into his home. What was supposed to be a short set of remarks and brief prayers turned into a full worship service.”
Korn described the event as emotional and deeply moving. The president invited 50 faith leaders to join him on stage, staying throughout the extended prayers and even singing “Amazing Grace” with the group. The event concluded with the signing of a commission on religious liberty.
“It was a gorgeous day,” she recalled. “To stand there on stage and see the president embracing people of faith—it was powerful.”
The conversation also touched on why this administration has placed such a strong emphasis on faith. Korn pointed to what she sees as a stark contrast with the previous administration.
“Under President Biden, people of faith felt diminished and afraid to speak openly about their beliefs,” Korn said. “Now, it’s a complete reversal. There’s a sense of relief among religious communities.”
She also referenced the assassination attempt on President Trump in July of last year, where a bullet grazed his ear. “He believes God saved his life for a reason—to bring America back to a ‘Golden Age,’” she said.
When asked about critics who raise concerns about the separation of church and state, Korn was direct. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about that,” she said. “Separation of church and state means the government can’t force a national religion, like the Church of England. But welcoming all faiths is not the same as establishing one religion.”
Korn emphasized that the White House Faith Office exists to give religious Americans a voice in policymaking, not to act as a church. “We’re here to ensure that people of faith are heard and represented,” she said. “This country was founded on Judeo-Christian values. We’re honoring that heritage while welcoming people of all faiths.”
As the interview wrapped up, Hoffman asked about an invitation to the White House Hanukkah Party—a request Korn was more than happy to oblige. She ended on a hopeful note: “Let everyone know—there’s a welcome mat at the White House for people of faith.”
Listen to The Ari Hoffman Show, weekdays 3-6 PM Pacific on Talk Radio 570 KVI, 101.5 FM HD-3, KVI.com & the KVI app. Subscribe to the show on your preferred podcast platform.
