Where Did America’s Motto ‘In God We Trust’ Come From?

To know where we are going, we need to understand our history, making it necessary for us to know not only why our national motto is “In God We Trust” and where it comes from but also, what it means for us today.

The motto, which is most often seen inscribed on our coins and emergency vehicles never proved to be controversial, until recently when the state of West Virginia and the state of Louisiana made it mandatory for public schools to put the motto on display.

In discussions over the constitutionality of this move, West Virginia Delegate Tom Fast commented:

“This is our national motto, ‘In God We Trust,’ and it’s been through legal battles and upheld. We can display it in schools and colleges.”

Where Did “In God We Trust” Come From?

On July 30, 1956, Congress formally declared “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto, replacing the earlier, unofficial Latin motto “E pluribus unum,” which translates as “Out of many, one.”

1956 wasn’t even 100 years ago! This makes it all the more remarkable just how deeply ingrained “In God We Trust” has become in the fabric of American life.

The origin of this motto comes from the Star-Spangled Banner, which reads, “And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’”

This poetic reference to divine trust became a formal part of American identity much later.

The first appearance of the motto on U.S. coins dates back to 1864 whilst the nation was in the midst of the Civil War.

Fast forward to 1954 and the words “under God” were added to the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance. This move reinforced the religious and ideological position of the U.S. after the Cold War when they were faced with a godless communist threat.

In 1955, Congress mandated that the national motto appear on all printed American currency and the first paper currency to carry the motto, the one-dollar bill, entered circulation on October 1, 1956.

How ‘In God We Trust’ Impacts Us Today

The history of “In God We Trust” isn’t just symbolic, it’s also of legal and institutional reinforcement.

In 2000, the House of Representatives promoted publicly displaying the motto which further emphasized its role in American life.

One notable display of the motto is in the U.S. Capitol where it adorns the wall above the rostrum of the Speaker of the House, a symbol of national unity and faith carved into the fabric of the nation’s legislative chambers since 1962.

The motto hasn’t been without legal scrutiny, with courts affirming its secular, patriotic character.

In the 1970 case Aronow v. United States, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the national motto and its presence on currency “has nothing whatsoever to do with the establishment of religion. Its use is of a patriotic or ceremonial character and bears no true resemblance to a governmental sponsorship of a religious exercise.”

This judicial stance reinforces the idea that the motto serves as a symbol of national unity rather than a promotion of religious doctrine.

Why the Motto Still Matters

The movement to display “In God We Trust” in public spaces means more than just putting a phrase on a wall or a piece of paper, it’s about holding onto something bigger than ourselves.

It’s about reinforcing a shared identity, a collective sense of trust in something greater than ourselves, something transcendent. It is a recognition that we are indeed one people under God and in need of God.

The motto has withstood decades of legal challenges and cultural shifts, reflecting the deep currents of faith and patriotism that continue to shape the American experiment.

In a time when national identity feels increasingly fragmented, this simple phrase offers a reminder of the core values that bind the American people together.

‘In God We Trust’ calls us to reflect on what we stand for, to consider the ideals and principles that have carried the nation forward, and to embrace the idea that, despite our differences, we are united in something greater — in the one true God.

“Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy 32:7

This verse calls for remembering the lessons of history, passing down wisdom from previous generations, and using that understanding to guide our decisions in the present and future.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

This verse emphasizes that understanding the past, particularly through scripture, helps us learn and find hope for the journey ahead.

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