Trump references John Adams White House 'prayer,' leaves out 'honest and wise' part

William Cummings | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Under pressure, Trump breaks silence on McCain Facing pressure, President Donald Trump broke his silence on John McCain Monday evening, saying he appreciates everything the late senator has done for the country. Trump made the remarks at a White House dinner for evangelical leaders. (Aug. 27)

President Donald Trump evoked a famous quote by founding father John Adams during a White House dinner honoring evangelical Christian leaders Monday — but he left out the part about Adams' hope that future presidents be "honest and wise."

Trump began his speech to the "nice group" of religious leaders by touting the success of the stock market, expressing condolences to the family of the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and declaring an end to what he described as the government's "attacks on communities of faith."

Trump had been reticent to honor McCain, his former political rival, but earlier Monday he issued a proclamation in "respect for the memory and longstanding service" that McCain, a Vietnam War veteran and respected lawmaker, had given his country.

The president went on to quote the Adams' prayer, which was carved into the fireplace mantle of the State Dining Room in 1945.

"It says, 'I pray Heaven to bestow the best of Blessings on this House. And that’s really what it is. This is an incredible house. Means so much,'" Trump said. "Together, we will uplift our nation in prayer, defend the sanctity of life, and forever proudly remain one nation under God."

Trump, who has repeatedly been accused of dishonesty by his critics, did not recite the full Adams quote, which reads, "I Pray Heaven To Bestow The Best Of Blessings On This House And All that shall hereafter Inhabit it. May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under This Roof."

The quote is taken from a letter Adams wrote to his wife Abigail the day after he moved into the White House on Nov. 1, 1800, while the executive residence was still under construction.

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