:In God We Trust

The earliest recorded usage of the motto in English was in January 1748, when The Pennsylvania Gazette reported on the colours of Associators regiments, namely that of Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania militia, one of which said: "IX. A Coronet and Plume of Feathers. Motto, {{Smallcaps|In God we Trust}}."{{Cite web|title=Founders Online: Colors of the Associator Companies, 12 January 1748 and 16 April 1748|url=http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-03-02-0105|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|website=National Archives and Records Administration|language=en|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728213424/https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-03-02-0105}}{{Cite web|last=Popik|first=Barry|author-link=Barry Popik|date=2009-07-02|title=In God we trust (all others pay cash)|url=https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/in_god_we_trust_all_others_pay_cash|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|website=The Big Apple|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213822/https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/in_god_we_trust_all_others_pay_cash}}{{Cite book|last=Shapiro|first=Fred Q.|title=The Yale Book of Quotations|publisher=Yale University Press|year=2006|isbn=9780300107982|location=New Haven, Ct.|pages=145}} According to Thomas S. Kidd, an American historian, this appears to be an isolated instance of an official usage, which could be traced to some renderings of {{bibleverse|Psalm|56:11|9}}.{{Cite web|last=Kidd|first=Thomas S.|date=2015-11-10|title=The Origin of 'In God We Trust'|url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2015/11/the-origin-of-in-god-we-trust/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Anxious Bench|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602220137/https://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2015/11/the-origin-of-in-god-we-trust/}}

The precise phrase, "In God We Trust" is also found in a publication of Isaac Watts' Psalter which was revised and printed in the United States in 1785. Watts had translated Psalm 115:9–11 with the words, "Britain, trust the Lord." An American publisher, Joel Barlow, sought to revise Watts' Psalter for an American audience. Barlow's goal was to modify Watts in such a way as to purge the un-American flavor. Barlow simply translated Psalm 115: 9–11 with the words "In God we Trust."{{Cite book |url=https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N14926.0001.001/1:4.261?rgn=div2;view=fulltext |title=Watt's Psalter, 1785 |date=June 2006 |access-date=2021-10-31 |archive-date=2021-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031051014/https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/evans/N14926.0001.001/1:4.261?rgn=div2;view=fulltext |url-status=live }}{{Multiple image

| image1 = Chase to Pollock 1863-12-09 motto only.png

| alt1 = Salmon P. Chase, Treasury Secretary, drafting a new motto for the U.S. currency. After writing "In God is Our Trust", he scratches it out and changes "is Our" to "We". Letter to James Pollock, Director of the Philadelphia Mint, December 9, 1863

| caption1 = Salmon P. Chase, Treasury Secretary, scribes "In God is Our Trust," scratches out "is Our" and overwrites "We" to arrive at "In God We Trust" in a December 9, 1863, letter to James Pollock, Director of the Philadelphia Mint.{{cite book|last=Chase|first=Salmon P|title=Letter to James Pollock|date=1863-12-09|work=Document # RG 104_UD 87-A_Folder In God We Trust 1861_Part1|publisher=National Archives and Records Administration|page=11}}{{Cite web|last=Dominguez|first=André|title="In God We Trust" originated from a Columbia County President Judge|url=https://colcohist-gensoc.org/wp-content/uploads/117trust.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|website=Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society|archive-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809130738/https://colcohist-gensoc.org/wp-content/uploads/117trust.pdf}}

| image2 = And this be our motto - "In God is out trust,".png

| caption2 = Manuscript copy of Key's 1814 poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" (better known today as "The Star-Spangled Banner") in which one line of the fourth verse reads, "And this be our motto-"In God is our trust,"" (enclosed section)

| alt2 = Manuscript copy of Key's 1814 poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" (later known as "The Star-Spangled Banner") in which one line of the fourth verse reads, "And this be our motto-"In God is our trust,""

| direction = vertical

| total_width = 225

}}There were several other unrelated recordings of the motto. It can be encountered in some literary works of the early 19th century.{{Cite web|last=Popik|first=Barry|date=2009-07-02|title=In God we trust (all others pay cash)|url=https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/in_god_we_trust_all_others_pay_cash|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|website=The Big Apple|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213822/https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/in_god_we_trust_all_others_pay_cash}} One of them, "Defence of Fort M'Henry", contained a version of the motto and subsequently became the national anthem of the United States. It also appeared in 1845, when D.S. Whitney published an anti-slavery hymn in The Liberator.{{Cite web|title=The Liberator. v. 15: no.17 (1845:Apr.25)|url=https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/book_viewer/commonwealth:gb19h269f|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-28|via=Digital Commonwealth|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215929/https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/book_viewer/commonwealth:gb19h269f}}{{Cite journal|last=Latterell|first=Justin|date=2015-04-21|title=In God We Trust: Abraham Lincoln and America's Deathbed Repentance|journal=Political Theology|language=en|volume=12|issue=4|pages=594–607|doi=10.1558/poth.v12i4.594|doi-access=free}} Odd Fellows have also used the phrase as their motto from the 1840s at least into the 1870s.{{Cite journal|last=Disney|first=David T.|date=February 1845|title=Bro. Disney's Address|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uBcZAAAAYAAJ&q=%22in+god+we+trust%22&pg=PA20|journal=The Ark, and Odd Fellows Magazine|volume=2|issue=2|pages=20, 184|via=Google Books|access-date=2021-06-19|archive-date=2021-10-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015010655/https://books.google.com/books?id=uBcZAAAAYAAJ&q=%22in+god+we+trust%22&pg=PA20|url-status=live}}

In a letter dated November 13, 1861, Rev. Mark R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania (pastor of the Prospect Hill Baptist Church in present-day Prospect Park, Pennsylvania), petitioned the Treasury Department to add a statement recognizing "Almighty God in some form on our coins" in order to "relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism".{{cite web|last1=Myers|first1=R. Andrew|date=2020-07-25|title=How did 'In God We Trust' come to be on American currency? A 19th-century Presbyterian played a major role|url=https://www.logcollegepress.com/blog/2020/7/24/how-did-in-god-we-trust-come-to-be-on-american-currency-a-19th-century-presbyterian-played-a-major-role|url-status=live|access-date=2020-08-06|website=Log College Press|language=en|archive-date=2020-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103204735/https://www.logcollegepress.com/blog/2020/7/24/how-did-in-god-we-trust-come-to-be-on-american-currency-a-19th-century-presbyterian-played-a-major-role}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yv0qAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA260|title=Annual Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the State of the Finances for the Year 1896|publisher=United States Government Printing Office|year=1897|location=Washington|pages=260|access-date=2021-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118192336/https://books.google.com/books?id=Yv0qAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA260|archive-date=2016-11-18}} At least part of the motivation was to declare that God was on the Union side of the Civil War, given that the Confederacy's constitution, unlike the Union's, invoked God.{{Efn|See preamble of CSA Constitution: ...invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God...}} This sentiment was shared by other citizens who supported such inclusion in their letters.{{Cite magazine|last=Begley|first=Sarah|date=2016-01-13|title=How 'In God We Trust' Got on the Currency in the First Place|url=https://time.com/4179685/in-god-we-trust-currency-history/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-24|magazine=Time|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506134753/https://time.com/4179685/in-god-we-trust-currency-history/}} Indeed, the 125th Pennsylvania Infantry for the Union Army assumed the motto "In God we trust" in early August 1862.{{Multiref|For sources discussing it, see:|{{cite book|last=Alexander|first=Ted|title=The Battle of Antietam: The Bloodiest Day|publisher=The History Press|year=2011|isbn=978-1-60949-179-6|location=Charleston, S.C.|pages=76}}|{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLc6WDOMUwA|title=125th PA Vol. Infantry: IN GOD WE TRUST|date=2012-06-28|type=Television production|language=en|access-date=2016-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810041027/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLc6WDOMUwA|archive-date=2016-08-10|url-status=live|work=WTAJ|via=YouTube}}|{{Cite web|title=Antietam: 125th Pennsylvania Infantry|url=https://antietam.aotw.org/officers.php?unit_id=269|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Antietam on the Web|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213932/https://antietam.aotw.org/officers.php?unit_id=269}}|{{cite book|last=Pennsylvania Infantry. 125th Regiment, 1862–1863|title=History Of The One Hundred And Twenty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1862–1863|publisher=Cornell University Library|year=2009|isbn=978-1-112-13570-5|location=Ithaca, N.Y.|pages=150–152}}}}

In the South, the phrase has also gained significant traction. A Confederate bunting with "In God We Trust" printed in the center, dated to late 1861 or early 1862 and attributed to the 37th Arkansas Infantry Regiment, was probably captured by the 33rd Iowa Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Helena and is currently in possession of the Iowa Historical Society.{{Cite web |year=1918 |title=A descriptive list of the Confederate flags in the possession of the State Historical Society of Iowa |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015070233708&view=1up&seq=10 |access-date=2021-10-31 |page=4 |quote=Bunting, 4x7 feet (modified form of Stars and Bars), Union blue with twelve 8-point stars in circle. "In God We Trust" printed on white silk and stitched on white bar of Field. No record of when or where captured.}}{{Cite book |last=Dedmondt |first=Glenn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KCAxwqU1oAEC&dq=iowa+confederate+flag+in+god+we+trust&pg=PA108 |title=The Flags of Civil War Arkansas |date=2009 |publisher=Pelican Publishing |isbn=978-1-4556-0432-6 |pages=108–109 |language=en}} Another flag with exactly the same motto, this time of the 60th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, was captured in the course of the Battle of Big Black River Bridge.{{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=William D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zPTY56TRFxUC&dq=iowa+confederate+flag+in+god+we+trust&pg=PA302 |title="A Fit Representation of Pandemonium": East Tennessee Confederate Soldiers in the Campaign for Vicksburg |date=2008 |publisher=Mercer University Press |isbn=978-0-88146-034-6 |page=302 |language=en}} Additionally, in 1864, Harper's Weekly reported that the Union Navy had captured a flag whose motto said: "Our cause is just, our duty we know; In God we trust, to battle we go."{{Cite journal |date=1864-04-23 |title=Sketches of the Metropolitan Fair |url=https://archive.org/details/harpersweeklyv8bonn/page/260/mode/2up |journal=Harper's Weekly |volume=8 |pages=261 |access-date=2021-05-29 |via=Internet Archive}} Other Confederate symbols included close paraphrasing of the motto, such as the banner of the Apalachicola Guard of Florida (In God is our trust){{Cite journal |last=Cunningham |first=Sumner Archibald |author-link=Sumner Archibald Cunningham |date=January 1896 |title=Flag History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DSNEAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA117 |journal=Confederate Veteran |language=en |location=Nashville |pages=117}} and "The Star-Spangled Cross and the Pure Field of White", a popular song in the Southern military whose refrain contains the following passage: "Our trust is in God, who can help us in fight, And defend those who ask Him in prayer."{{Cite book |last=Pitney |first=John J. Jr. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7OPmKnf3jywC&dq=confederate+flag+in+god+we+trust&pg=PA91 |title=The Art of Political Warfare |year=2001 |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |isbn=978-0-8061-3382-9 |page=91 |language=en |author-link=John J. Pitney}}

President Abraham Lincoln's Treasury Secretary, Salmon P. Chase, a lifelong evangelical Episcopalian who was known for his public shows of piety,{{Cite book|last=Harp|first=Gillis J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WCeeDwAAQBAJ|title=Protestants and American Conservatism: A Short History|year=2019|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-997741-3|location=New York|pages=95–96|language=en|access-date=2021-06-19|archive-date=2021-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817091828/https://books.google.com/books?id=WCeeDwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}} acted swiftly on the proposal to include a motto referring to God and directed the then-Philadelphia Director of the Mint and member of the National Reform Association, James Pollock, to begin drawing up possible designs that would include the religious phrase. Chase chose his favorite designs and presented a proposal to the Congress for the new designs in late 1863. He then decided on the final version of the new motto, "In God We Trust," in December 1863.{{cite journal|title=Adopting In God We Trust as the U.S. National Motto|vauthors=Fisher, Louis, ((Mourtada-Sabbah, Nada))|journal=Journal of Church and State|volume=44|date=2002|issue=4|pages=682–83|doi=10.1093/jcs/44.4.671|url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/jchs44&id=685&collection=journals&index=|via=HeinOnline|url-access=subscription}} (Referencing H. Rept. No. 1959, 84th Cong., 2d Sess. (1956) and S. Rept. No. 2703, 84th Cong., 2d Sess. (1956), 2.) Walter H. Breen, a numismatist, wrote that Chase drew inspiration from the motto of Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island, In Deo speramus, which is Latin for a similarly sounding "In God we hope". President Lincoln's degree of involvement in the process of the motto's approval is unclear, though he was aware of such talks.{{Efn|According to the Congressional Record (1908, U.S. House of Representatives), p. 3387, the motto was adopted "doubtless with his [Lincoln's] knowledge and approval".}}

As Chase was preparing his recommendation to Congress, it was found that the federal legislature passed a bill on January 18, 1837, which determined the mottos and devices that should be stamped on U.S. coins. This meant that enactment of some additional legislation was necessary before "In God We Trust" could be engraved. Such bill was introduced and passed as the Coinage Act of 1864 on April 22, 1864, allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize the inclusion of the phrase on one-cent and two-cent coins.

On March 3, 1865, the U.S. Congress passed a bill, which Lincoln subsequently signed as the last act of Congress prior to his assassination, that allowed the Mint Director to place "In God We Trust" on all gold and silver coins that "shall admit the inscription thereon", subject to the Secretary's approval.{{Cite book|url=http://www.nonbeliever.org/images/CR102-13917.pdf|title=102 Congressional Record – Senate|year=1956|location=Washington, D.C.|page=13917|access-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106115209/http://www.nonbeliever.org/images/CR102-13917.pdf|archive-date=2009-01-06|via=NonBeliever.org}} In 1873, Congress passed another Coinage Act, granting the Secretary of the Treasury the right to "cause the motto IN GOD WE TRUST to be inscribed on such coins as shall admit of such motto".

In God We Trust (or, rarely, its variation, God We Trust) first appeared on 2¢ coins, which were first minted in 1863 and went into mass circulation the following year.{{Cite web|last=Giedroyc|first=Richard|title=Two Cent|url=https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/two-cent-1864-1873/670|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-24|website=Professional Coin Grading Service|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010413/https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/two-cent-1864-1873/670}} According to David W. Lange, a numismatist, the inclusion of the motto on a coin was a major driver for the popularisation of the slogan.{{Cite book|last=Lange|first=David W.|title=History of the United States Mint and its Coinage|publisher=Whitman Publisher LLC|year=2005|isbn=978-0794819729|pages=98–99}} Other coins, that is, nickels, quarter dollars, half dollars, half eagles and eagles, have had In God We Trust engraved from 1866 on.{{Cite web|last=Ackerman|first=David M.|date=1996-07-10|title="In God We Trust" on the Nation's Coins and Currency and as the National Motto: History and Constitutionality|url=https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/19960710_96-609_a80750766297a603d32b12e9f6d72db35ab6ac04.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Congressional Research Service|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725103031/https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/19960710_96-609_a80750766297a603d32b12e9f6d72db35ab6ac04.pdf}} Dollar coins got the motto in 1873 for trade dollars and 1878 for common circulation Morgan dollars. However, there was no obligation for the motto to be used, so some denominations still didn't have it. Others, such as nickels, have seen the phrase disappear after a redesign, so that by the late 19th century, most of the coins did not bear the motto.{{Cite web|last=Mislin|first=David|title=The complex history of 'In God We Trust'|url=http://theconversation.com/the-complex-history-of-in-god-we-trust-91117|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-24|website=The Conversation|date=2 February 2018 |language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010414/https://theconversation.com/the-complex-history-of-in-god-we-trust-91117}} Finally, in 1892, an oversight caused the Coinage Act to lose the language which mandated inclusion of the phrase.{{Cite web|title=Type 2, No Motto|url=https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/gold-coins/st-gaudens-20-1907-1933/type-2-no-motto-1907-1908/784|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Professional Coin Grading Service|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010358/https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/gold-coins/st-gaudens-20-1907-1933/type-2-no-motto-1907-1908/784}}File:1864_2C_Small_Motto_Red_(obv).jpg in 1864.|alt="IN GOD WE TRUST" as it first appeared on the obverse side of the two-cent piece in 1864]] File:US-$20-IBN-1864-Fr.197.jpg

File:1879S_Morgan_Dollar_NGC_MS67plus_Reverse.png presented the lower-cased "In God we trust".|alt=The reverse of the Morgan dollar (here, an 1879 issue is shown) presented the lower-cased "In God we trust"]]

{{Multiple image

| image1 = NNC-US-1907-G$20-Saint_Gaudens_(Roman,_high_relief).jpg

| alt1 = Saint-Gaudens double eagle, subject of public outcry in 1907 due to the lack of "In God we Trust" on the coin (it would later appear on the obverse side, the one with the eagle, close to the sun's rim).

| caption1 = Saint-Gaudens double eagle ("high relief" version), subject of public outcry in 1907 due to the lack of "In God we Trust" on the coin

| image2 = NNC-US-1908-D-G$20-Saint_Gaudens_(Arabic_&_motto).jpg

| caption2 = Version with the national motto, 1908

| alt2 = Version with the national motto, 1908

| direction = vertical

| total_width = 225

}}

Banknotes did not have formal authorization, or mandate, to have "In God We Trust" engraved until 1955. However, a version of the motto (In God Is Our Trust) first made a brief appearance on the obverse side of the 1864 $20 interest-bearing and compound interest treasury notes, along with the motto "God and our Right".{{Cite web|title=20 Dollars, Compound Interest Treasury Note, United States, 1864|url=https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1876617|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|website=National Museum of American History|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809132237/https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1876617}}{{Cite web|title=20 Dollars, Interest Bearing Note, United States, 1864|url=https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1876647|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|website=National Museum of American History|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108005413/https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1876647}}

The initial reaction of the general populace was far from unanimous approval. On the one hand, Christian newspapers were generally happy with the phrase being included in coins, though some advocated for more religiously connoted mottos, such as "In God alone is our trust" or "God our Christ". On the other, non-religious press was less impressed by the developments. The New York Times editorial board asked to "let us try to carry our religion—such as it is—in our hearts, and not in our pockets" and criticized the Mint for including the motto only on golden and larger silver coins.{{Cite news|date=1865-12-18|title=The Legend on Our Coins |language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1865/12/18/archives/the-new-legend-on-our-coins.html|access-date=2021-05-29|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2021-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603012739/https://www.nytimes.com/1865/12/18/archives/the-new-legend-on-our-coins.html|url-status=live}} New York Illustrated News ridiculed the new coins for marking "the first time that God has ever been recognized on any of our counters of Mammon," with a similar comparison made by the Detroit Free Press. The different opinions on its inclusion eventually grew into a dispute between secularists and faith congregations. Others still started to make jokes of "In God We Trust". The American Journal of Numismatics suggested that people would misread the motto as "In Gold we Trust", which they said was "much nearer the fact".{{Cite journal|date=1866|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43585592|journal=American Journal of Numismatics, and Bulletin of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society|volume=1|issue=4|pages=27|issn=2381-4586|jstor=43585592|jstor-access=free|title=The New Five Cent Piece. [Communicated]|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602222819/https://www.jstor.org/stable/43585592|url-status=live}} Newspapers also started reporting on puns made of the slogan. Already in 1860s, newspapers reported signs reading "In God we Trust – terms cash," "In God we trust. All others are expected to pay cash" and the like.{{Cite web|date=2017-12-10|title=In God We Trust; All Others Cash|url=https://quoteinvestigator.com/2017/12/10/cash/|access-date=2021-05-30|website=Quote Investigator|language=en-US}}

The phrase, however, gradually became a symbol of national pride. Just six years after it first appeared on coins, the San Francisco Chronicle called it "our nation's motto"; similarly, groups as diverse as prohibitionists and suffragists, pacifists and nativists, Democrats and Republicans, Christians and Jews all adopted the motto or endorsed its usage by the end of the 19th century. The motto stayed popular even as fewer denominations had "In God We Trust" embossed on coins.

{{See also|Indian Head eagle|Saint-Gaudens double eagle}}In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt sought to beautify American coinage and decided to give the task to his friend, Augustus Saint-Gaudens,{{Cite book|last=Breen|first=Walter|title=Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins.|publisher=Doubleday|year=1988|isbn=978-0-385-14207-6|location=New York|pages=238, 353, 572–573}} who, after several delays and technical issues with his design, produced a new design for eagles and double eagles. Roosevelt specifically instructed Saint-Gaudens not to include "In God We Trust" on the coins, as the President feared that these coins would be used to further ungodly activities, such as gambling, and facilitate crime.{{Cite book|last1=Garret|first1=Jeff|title=Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, 1795–1933|last2=Guth|first2=Ron|publisher=Whitman Publishing|year=2008|isbn=978-0-7948-2254-5|edition=2nd|location=Atlanta|page=476}} Saint-Gaudens did not oppose the order, as he thought that the phrase would distract from the coin's design features.

The coin, whose ultra-high relief version is now considered one of the most beautiful coins ever struck in the U.S.,{{Cite web|title=100 Greatest U.S. Coins|url=https://www.collectors.com/setmatch/setmatchdetail?compitemid=54748&itemtypeid=1&compid=1576&exactmatch=True&hidenomatch=False&hidehascurrentitem=False&days=Any&lowgrade=Any&highgrade=Any&lowprice=Any&highprice=Any&sellerexclude=false|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-30|website=www.collectors.com|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215143/https://www.collectors.com/setmatch/setmatchdetail?compitemid=54748&itemtypeid=1&compid=1576&exactmatch=True&hidenomatch=False&hidehascurrentitem=False&days=Any&lowgrade=Any&highgrade=Any&lowprice=Any&highprice=Any&sellerexclude=false}} was indeed appreciated for its esthetics by art critics.{{Cite journal|last=Gatewood|first=Willard B.|date=1966|title=Theodore Roosevelt and the Coinage Controversy|journal=American Quarterly|volume=18|issue=1|pages=35–51|doi=10.2307/2711109|issn=0003-0678|jstor=2711109|doi-access=free}} However, a scandal immediately erupted over the lack of "In God We Trust" on the eagles and double eagles.{{Cite book|last=Burdette|first=Roger W.|title=Renaissance of American Coinage, 1905–1908|publisher=Seneca Mill Press|year=2006|isbn=978-0-9768986-1-0|location=Great Falls, Va.|pages=193–195}}{{cite web|date=2009-03-04|title=10 Interesting Facts About Theodore Roosevelt|url=http://www.republicanpresidents.net/10-interesting-facts-about-theodore-roosevelt/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217130709/http://www.republicanpresidents.net/10-interesting-facts-about-theodore-roosevelt/|archive-date=2014-02-17|access-date=2014-02-04|publisher=Republicanpresidents.net}} Theodore Roosevelt insisted that while he was in favor of placing the motto on public buildings and monuments, doing so for money (or postage stamps and advertisements) would be "dangerously close to sacrilege":

{{blockquote|"My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good, but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege. ...  Any use which tends to cheapen it, and, above all, any use which tends to secure its being treated in a spirit of levity, is from every standpoint profoundly to be regretted. ... it seems to me eminently unwise to cheapen such a motto by use on coins ...  In all my life I have never heard any human being speak reverently of this motto on the coins or show any signs of its having appealed to any high emotion in him, but I have literally, hundreds of times, heard it used as an occasion of and incitement to ... sneering ...  Every one must remember the innumerable cartoons and articles based on phrases like 'In God we trust for the 8 cents,' ...  Surely, I am well within bounds when I say that a use of the phrase which invites constant levity of this type is most undesirable."|source=President Theodore Roosevelt, 13 November 1907{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41216216/teddy-roosevelts-letter-on-his/|title=Roosevelt Dropped 'IN GOD WE TRUST'; President Says Such a Motto on Coin Is Irreverence, Close to Sacrilege. NO LAW COMMANDS ITS USE He Trusts Congress Will Not Direct Him to Replace the Exalted Phrase That Invited Constant Levity|date=1907-11-14|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=2010-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032944/https://www.nytimes.com/1907/11/14/archives/roosevelt-dropped-in-god-we-trust-president-says-such-a-motto-on.html|archive-date=2018-02-26|url-status=live|via=Newspapers.com}}}}

Press response was largely negative. Most news outlets affiliated with Christian organisations, as well as The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Press and other newspapers were critical of the decision, with accusations amounting to the President being guilty of premeditated assault on religion and disregard for Americans' religious sentiments. Atlanta Constitution wrote that people were to choose between "God and Roosevelt", while The New York Sun published a poem mocking Roosevelt's attitude. In contrast, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and some religious newspapers such as The Churchman, sided with the President, who was both stunned and irritated by people's opposition to excluding the motto. This prompted debate in Congress, which quickly decided to reinstate the motto on the coins in an act adopted in 1908. As a result of controversy, relevant design changes were subsequently introduced by the Mint Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber.

Other coins have also retained or renewed the usage of the motto. All gold coins and silver $1 coins, half dollars and quarters have had the motto engraved since July 1, 1908; pennies followed in 1909 and dimes in 1916. Since 1938, all U.S. coins have borne the "In God We Trust" inscription on them.

File:8cliberty.jpg's head. At the time, eight cents was the standard rate for international postage. A 3¢ (domestic mail rate) stamp with a similar design was also issued.|alt=8¢ postage stamp from 1954, with the motto inscribed around the Statue of Liberty's head, in the white area surrounding her head. At the time, eight cents was the standard rate for international postage. A 3¢ (domestic mail rate) stamp with a similar design was also issued.]]

It is generally thought that during the Cold War era, the government of the United States sought to distinguish itself from the Soviet Union, which promoted state atheism and thus implemented antireligious legislation,{{Cite book|last=Merriman|first=Scott A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_8VFygyaDYC&pg=PA281|title=Religion and the Law in America: An Encyclopedia of Personal Belief and Public Policy|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2007|isbn=978-1851098637|location=Santa Barbara, Calif.|quote=In 1956, the United States, changed its motto to 'In God We Trust', in large part to differentiate itself from the Soviet Union, its Cold War enemy that was widely seen as promoting atheism.|access-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529230649/https://books.google.com/books?id=l_8VFygyaDYC&pg=PA281&dq|archive-date=2019-05-29}} therefore, a debate for further usage of religious motto was started in Congress. Kevin M. Kruse offers an alternative explanation. In his book, he argues that conservative opposition to the New Deal, and those politicians' subsequent successful campaigns to expand the influence of religion, were the main factors that contributed to further adoption of "In God We Trust".{{Cite book|last=Kruse|first=Kevin M.|title=One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America|publisher=Basic Books|year=2015|isbn=978-0-465-04949-3|location=New York|pages=xiv–xv}}

The Eisenhower administration struck a deeply religious tone, which proved a fertile ground for lobbying for inclusion of the motto in more contexts.{{Cite book|last=Herzog|first=Jonathan P.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pGC8D-ybQnAC&q=Louis+C.+Rabaut+postage+cancellation+god+we+trust&pg=PA101|title=The Spiritual-Industrial Complex: America's Religious Battle Against Communism in the Early Cold War|date=2011|publisher=Oxford University Press, U.S.|isbn=978-0-19-539346-0|location=New York|pages=97, 101|language=en|access-date=2021-06-19|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814202438/https://books.google.com/books?id=pGC8D-ybQnAC&q=Louis+C.+Rabaut+postage+cancellation+god+we+trust&pg=PA101|url-status=live}} This is often attributed to the influence of Billy Graham, a prominent evangelist of the time.{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Kalpana|date=2021-06-11|title=Why the legacy of Billy Graham continues to endure: 3 essential reads|url=http://theconversation.com/why-the-legacy-of-billy-graham-continues-to-endure-3-essential-reads-162465|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-28|website=The Conversation|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613092001/https://theconversation.com/why-the-legacy-of-billy-graham-continues-to-endure-3-essential-reads-162465}} After intense public pressure for inclusion of the national motto, it appeared for the first time on some postage stamps of the 1954 Liberty Issue,{{Cite news|date=1954-02-26|title=NEW STAMP GETS MOTTO; 'In God We Trust' 8-Center to Go on Sale Early in April|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/02/26/archives/new-stamp-gets-motto-in-god-we-trust-8center-to-go-on-sale-early-in.html|access-date=2021-05-31|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2021-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603004649/https://www.nytimes.com/1954/02/26/archives/new-stamp-gets-motto-in-god-we-trust-8center-to-go-on-sale-early-in.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|last=Christopher|first=West|title=A History of America in Thirty-Six Postage Stamps|publisher=Picador|year=2014|isbn=978-1250043689|location=London|page=232}}{{Cite web|last=Cep|first=Casey N.|date=2014-02-20|title=When Did Americans Start Trusting in God?|url=https://psmag.com/news/americans-start-trusting-god-74456|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Pacific Standard|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215405/https://psmag.com/news/americans-start-trusting-god-74456}} though lobbying for universal inclusion by Michigan Senator Charles E. Potter and Representative Louis C. Rabaut failed.

The following year, Democratic Representative Charles Edward Bennett of Florida cited the Cold War when he introduced {{Abbr|H. R.|House Resolution}} 619, which obliged "In God we trust" to be printed on all banknotes and struck on all coins, in the House, arguing that "[in] these days when imperialistic and materialistic communism seeks to attack and destroy freedom, we should continually look for ways to strengthen the foundations of our freedom".{{cite web|date=1955-07-11|title=The legislation placing "In God We Trust" on national currency {{pipe}} US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives|url=http://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/The-legislation-placing-%E2%80%9CIn-God-We-Trust%E2%80%9D-on-national-currency/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519004812/http://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/The-legislation-placing-%E2%80%9CIn-God-We-Trust%E2%80%9D-on-national-currency/|archive-date=2017-05-19|access-date=2017-05-13|publisher=history.house.gov}}{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dEADWZdN2k8C&q=strengthen+our+freedom&pg=PA47|title=Miscellaneous Hearings: Hearings Before ... , 84-1 on H.J.Res. 202 ... , H.R. 3327 ... , H.R. 619 ... 1956|publisher=United States Congress House Banking and Currency Committee|year=1956|location=Washington, D.C.|pages=47–57|language=en|chapter=United States Currency Inscription|access-date=2021-08-11|archive-date=2021-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817223136/https://books.google.com/books?id=dEADWZdN2k8C&q=strengthen+our+freedom&pg=PA47|url-status=live}} The American Numismatic Association and the American Legion concurred and made resolutions urging to promote further usage of "In God We Trust".{{Cite web|last=Fitschen|first=Steve|date=2018-02-11|title=Defending "In God We Trust"|url=https://nationallegalfoundation.org/briefings/defending-in-god-we-trust/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=National Legal Foundation|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213850/https://nationallegalfoundation.org/briefings/defending-in-god-we-trust/}}{{Cite web|title=Congressional Record, Volume 148 Issue 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2002-07-29/html/CREC-2002-07-29-pt1-PgE1437-2.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=United States Government Publishing Office|quote=The following year, 1955, largely at the instigation of Matt Rothert, later president of the American Numismatic Association, Congress amended the U.S. Code to require the national motto to be placed on all coins and currency.|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215734/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2002-07-29/html/CREC-2002-07-29-pt1-PgE1437-2.htm}}

On July 11, 1955, the bill, having passed with bipartisan support of both chambers of Congress, was signed into law by President Eisenhower.{{Cite web|date=1955-07-11|title=An Act to provide that all United States currency shall bear the inscription "In God We Trust."|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-69/pdf/STATUTE-69-Pg290-2.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-07|website=United States Government Publishing Office|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814192031/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-69/pdf/STATUTE-69-Pg290-2.pdf}}{{cite web|title=The Legislation Placing "In God We Trust" on National Currency'|url=https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/The-legislation-placing-%E2%80%9CIn-God-We-Trust%E2%80%9D-on-national-currency/|url-status=live|access-date=2019-09-16|work=United States House of Representatives|archive-date=2018-09-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923113553/http://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/The-legislation-placing-%E2%80%9CIn-God-We-Trust%E2%80%9D-on-national-currency/}} Since all coins already complied with the law, the only changes were made to the paper currency. The motto first appeared on the $1 silver certificate in 1957, followed by other certificates. Federal Reserve Notes and United States NotesNot produced since 1971 were circulated with the motto starting from 1964 to 1966, depending on the denomination.{{Cite book|last=Merriman|first=Scott A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_8VFygyaDYC&pg=PA281|title=Religion and the Law in America: An Encyclopedia of Personal Belief and Public Policy|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2007|isbn=978-1-85109-863-7|volume=1|location=Santa Barbara, Calif.|pages=281|language=en|access-date=2016-12-16|archive-date=2019-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529230649/https://books.google.com/books?id=l_8VFygyaDYC&pg=PA281&dq|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|last=Epstein|first=Steven B.|date=1996|title=Rethinking the Constitutionality of Ceremonial Deism|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1123418|journal=Columbia Law Review|volume=96|issue=8|pages=2083–2174|doi=10.2307/1123418|jstor=1123418|issn=0010-1958|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317235545/http://www.jstor.org/stable/1123418|archive-date=2017-03-17}}{{Efn|Quoting the peroration (abridged here) of the speech by Charles Edward Bennett, sponsor in the House, the only speech in either House of Congress on the subject. President Eisenhower and W. Randolph Burgess, Deputy to the Treasury for Monetary Affairs, had approved of the legislation. 101 Congressional Record pp. 4384 (quoted), 7796. (1955)}}

File:State of the Union entrance 2011.jpg sits. The national motto carved in marble can be seen at the top of the image.]]

On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution "declaring 'IN GOD WE TRUST' the national motto of the United States."{{cite web|author=Margaret Wood|date=2013-04-22|title=In God We Trust|url=https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/04/in-god-we-trust/|access-date=2021-04-02|publisher=Library of Congress|archive-date=2021-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318002142/https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2013/04/in-god-we-trust/|url-status=live}} The resolution passed both the House and the Senate unanimously and without debate.{{Cite news|date=1956-08-13|title=New National Motto Of U. S. Recalls Key's Words Of 1814|language=en|page=8|work=Palladium-Item|location=Richmond, Indiana|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/249484657/?terms=in+god+we+trust|url-status=live|access-date=2018-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226032430/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/249484657/?terms=in+god+we+trust|archive-date=2018-02-26|via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite book|last1=Miller|first1=Douglas|title=The Fifties: The Way We Really Were|last2=Marion|first2=Nowak|publisher=Doubleday|year=1977|pages=89|quote='In God We Trust' was adopted as the national motto in 1956, with neither debate nor a single dissenting vote in the House or Senate.}}{{Efn|For the relevant statutes, see {{USC|36|302}} and [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-70/pdf/STATUTE-70-Pg732-2.pdf United States Public Law 84-851]}} It replaced {{lang|la|E pluribus unum}}, which had existed before as a de facto official motto. The United States Code at {{USC|36|302}}, now states: "'In God we trust' is the national motto." The resolution was reaffirmed in 2006, on the 50th anniversary of its adoption, by the Senate,{{cite news|author=Felicia Sonmez|date=2011-11-01|title=Social issues return to fore with 'In God We Trust' resolution|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/social-issues-return-to-fore-with-in-god-we-trust-resolution/2011/10/31/gIQAXQasZM_blog.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104034201/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/2chambers/post/social-issues-return-to-fore-with-in-god-we-trust-resolution/2011/10/31/gIQAXQasZM_blog.html|archive-date=2011-11-04|quote='In 2006, on the 50th anniversary of its adoption, the Senate reaffirmed 'In God We Trust' as the official national motto of the United States,' Forbes said in a statement announcing the vote. 'Tomorrow, the House of Representatives will have the same opportunity to reaffirm our national motto and directly confront a disturbing trend of inaccuracies and omissions, misunderstandings of church and state, rogue court challenges, and efforts to remove God from the public domain by unelected bureaucrats.'}} and in 2011 by the House of Representatives, in a 396 to 9 vote.{{cite news|author=Jennifer Steinhauer|date=2011-11-03|title=In God We Trust, With the House's Help|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/us/house-of-representatives-affirms-in-god-we-trust-motto.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107012016/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/us/house-of-representatives-affirms-in-god-we-trust-motto.html|archive-date=2011-11-07|quote=Citing a crisis of national identity and mass confusion among Americans about their nation's motto, the House on Tuesday voted on a resolution 'reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States.'}}{{cite news|author=Todd Starnes|date=2011-11-03|title=See Which Congressmen Voted Against 'In God We Trust'|work=Fox News|url=http://nation.foxnews.com/congress/2011/11/01/see-which-congressmen-voted-against-god-we-trust#ixzz1cYiMXHil|url-status=dead|access-date=2011-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104222412/http://nation.foxnews.com/congress/2011/11/01/see-which-congressmen-voted-against-god-we-trust#ixzz1cYiMXHil|archive-date=2011-11-04|quote=The House of Representatives passed a bi-partisan resolution Tuesday night reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States. The 396–9 vote came at the request of Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA).}} In 2000, the House additionally encouraged to publicly display the motto.{{Cite web|date=2000-07-23|title=House Votes For Display Of 'in God We Trust' Motto In Public Buildings|url=https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/house-votes-for-display-of-in-god-we-trust-motto-in-public-buildings|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Americans United for Separation of Church and State|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://www.au.org/media/press-releases/house-votes-for-display-of-in-god-we-trust-motto-in-public-buildings}}{{Cite web|title=H. Res. 548 Engrossed in House|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-106hres548eh/html/BILLS-106hres548eh.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=United States Government Publishing Office|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215355/https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-106hres548eh/html/BILLS-106hres548eh.htm}}

The House of Representatives features the motto above the rostrum of the Speaker, which was carved in the wall in December 1962{{Cite web|title=Furniture {{!}} US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives|url=https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/Capitol/1951-Present/Furniture/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=history.house.gov|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010357/https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/Capitol/1951-Present/Furniture/}} in response to the Supreme Court banning public school prayer in Engel v. Vitale.{{cite book |last1=Kruse |first1=Kevin Michael |title=One nation under God: how corporate America invented Christian America |date=2015 |publisher=Basic Books |location=New York |isbn=9780465040643 |page=185 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jwGCBgAAQBAJ}}{{cite news |last1=Kruse |first1=Kevin M. |title=Of Little Faith |url=https://kevinmkruse.substack.com/p/of-little-faith?r=1srwzp |access-date=2 November 2023 |work=Campaign Trails |date=1 November 2023}}

File:Seal of Florida.svg, which also appears on the Flag of Florida. {{sc|IN GOD WE TRUST}} appears at the bottom of the seal.|193x193px]]

In Florida, {{Abbr|HB|House Bill}} 1145 provided for the adoption of "In God We Trust" as the official state motto, instead of fairly similar "In God Is Our Trust", effective July 1, 2006.{{Cite web|title=The 2020 Florida Statutes: 15.0301|url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0015/Sections/0015.0301.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Florida Legislature|quote=State motto.—"In God We Trust" is hereby designated and declared the official motto of the State of Florida.|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099%2F0015%2FSections%2F0015.0301.html}} The motto has also appeared on the seal of Florida{{Cite web|title=State Seal|url=https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-seal/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Florida Department of State|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423205604/https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-seal/}} and on the flag of Florida, as the seal is one of its elements, since 1868.{{Cite web|title=State Flag|url=https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-flag/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Florida Department of State|archive-date=2021-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531121000/https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-flag/}}

Georgia's flag features the motto since 2001, which was retained after a redesign two years later.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Whitney|date=2004-03-25|title=Flag of Georgia United States state flag|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Georgia-United-States-state-flag|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814163440/https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Georgia-United-States-state-flag}}

In Mississippi, the Mississippi Senate voted to add the words, "In God We Trust" to the state seal, justifying it as an effort to protect religious freedom. The change was made effective on July 1, 2014.{{cite web|date=January 2014|title=Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act; enact and modify the great seal.|url=http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2014/pdf/SB/2600-2699/SB2681PS.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402134106/http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2014/pdf/SB/2600-2699/SB2681PS.pdf|archive-date=2014-04-02|access-date=2014-04-02|work=Senate Bill No. 2681|publisher=Mississippi Legislature|location=Jackson, Miss.}}{{Cite news|last=Wagster Pettus|first=Emily|date=2014-01-31|title=Miss. Senate OKs adding 'In God We Trust' to seal|work=Jackson Free Press|url=https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/feb/01/miss-senate-oks-adding-god-we-trust-seal/|access-date=2021-08-07|archive-date=2021-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807181321/https://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/feb/01/miss-senate-oks-adding-god-we-trust-seal/|url-status=live}} Six years later, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed into law a bill requiring that the state's flag, which had contained the Confederate battle emblem, be replaced with a new one containing the phrase "In God We Trust."{{Cite web|last=Knowles|first=Lindsay|date=2020-07-08|title=Satanic Temple threatens lawsuit if 'In God We Trust' appears on new Mississippi flag|url=https://www.wlbt.com/2020/07/08/satanic-temple-threatens-lawsuit-if-god-we-trust-appears-new-mississippi-flag/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=WLBT-3|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://www.wlbt.com/2020/07/08/satanic-temple-threatens-lawsuit-if-god-we-trust-appears-new-mississippi-flag/}} A new flag containing the motto was approved by voters in a referendum, and it became the official state flag in January 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-11|title=Mississippi governor signing law for flag without rebel sign|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/mississippi-governor-signing-law-for-flag-without-rebel-sign-flag-mississippi-flag-us-confederate-b1785655.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-04|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=2021-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202192721/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/mississippi-governor-signing-law-for-flag-without-rebel-sign-flag-mississippi-flag-us-confederate-b1785655.html}}

On April 28, 2023, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed a bill that would require him to submit a new state seal design which would include the national motto. The secretary of state should receive the proposal by July 1, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee SB0420 {{!}} 2023–2024 {{!}} 113th General Assembly |url=https://legiscan.com/TN/bill/SB0420/2023 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=LegiScan |language=en}}[[File:Map of the US with display of In God we trust.svg|thumb|400px|A map of U.S. states with display of the national motto in public schools and government buildings as of August 2022

{{legend|#ff0000|Display in schools mandated}}

{{legend|#ff6600|Display in at least some government buildings mandated}}

{{legend|#ffcc00|Display in schools mandated if a copy of the motto is donated}}

{{legend|#66ff66|Display in schools allowed}}

{{legend|#66ffff|Display in government buildings allowed}}

Note. Florida, Georgia and Mississippi use the national motto in state symbols, therefore the display of In God We Trust as it appears on state symbols is regulated by laws governing their usage.

|alt=A map of U.S. states with display of the national motto in public schools and government buildings as of August 2021. Display of the motto is mandated in the schools of Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Dakota and Utah (Texas and Ohio also require such display if a copy of the motto is donated); it is allowed in Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Indiana, and New Hampshire. Michigan, Alabama and South Carolina also allow display in government buildings. Idaho, Kentucky and Arkansas require it in at least some of these, while Mississippi, Georgia and Florida may require insofar as it appears on their state symbols.]]

• Arkansas: In March 2017, Act 911, sponsored by state Representative Jim Dotson, made it a requirement of Arkansas state law for public schools to display posters with the national motto, if these were donated.{{cite web|date=2018-03-12|title='In God We Trust' Posters to Be Displayed in Arkansas Public Schools|url=https://insider.foxnews.com/2018/03/12/god-we-trust-posters-be-displayed-arkansas-public-schools-after-donations|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603120905/https://insider.foxnews.com/2018/03/12/god-we-trust-posters-be-displayed-arkansas-public-schools-after-donations|archive-date=2019-06-03|access-date=2019-06-03|website=Fox News Insider}}{{cite web|last=Perozek|first=Dave|date=2018-03-11|title=Some Arkansas schools will display 'In God we trust' after posters donated|url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/mar/11/schools-will-display-in-god-we-trust-20/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603120850/https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2018/mar/11/schools-will-display-in-god-we-trust-20/|archive-date=2019-06-03|access-date=2021-08-09|website=Arkansas Democrat-Gazette}} In 2019, the law was later amended to require public display of the national motto in public schools, higher education institutions and state government buildings, if funds are available for that purpose.
• Florida: In early 2018, Kimberly Daniels, a Democrat who served as a representative for the Florida House of Representatives, introduced {{Abbr|HB|House Bill}} 839, a bill that requires public schools to display the motto "In God We Trust" in a conspicuous place. On February 21, 2018, the bill passed 97 to 10 in the House.{{cite web|last=Sterling|first=Joe|title=Florida lawmakers advance a bill that requires 'In God We Trust' displayed on school grounds|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/23/us/florida-in-god-we-trust-legislation-trnd/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224113844/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/23/us/florida-in-god-we-trust-legislation-trnd/index.html|archive-date=2018-02-24|access-date=2018-02-24|website=CNN|date=23 February 2018 }}{{cite web|date=2018-02-23|title=Florida lawmakers advance bill that would require 'In God We Trust' to be visible on all school buildings|url=http://www.newsweek.com/florida-lawmakers-give-go-ahead-bill-have-god-we-trust-school-buildings-818745|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224165636/http://www.newsweek.com/florida-lawmakers-give-go-ahead-bill-have-god-we-trust-school-buildings-818745|archive-date=2018-02-24|access-date=2021-08-09|website=Newsweek}} Governor Rick Scott then signed the mandate into law.{{cite web|date=2018-03-26|title=Atheist group offers to provide "In God We Trust" signs to Florida public schools|url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/2018/03/26/atheist-group-offers-to-provide-in-god-we-trust-signs-to-florida-public-schools/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603120850/https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/2018/03/26/atheist-group-offers-to-provide-in-god-we-trust-signs-to-florida-public-schools/|archive-date=2019-06-03|access-date=2021-08-09|website=Tampa Bay Times}}{{Cite news|last=Balingit|first=Moriah|date=2018-12-01|title=Does 'In God We Trust' belong in schools? More and more states say yes.|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/does-in-god-we-trust-belong-in-schools-more-and-more-states-say-yes/2018/12/01/d846f870-e863-11e8-b8dc-66cca409c180_story.html|access-date=2021-05-25|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108134206/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/does-in-god-we-trust-belong-in-schools-more-and-more-states-say-yes/2018/12/01/d846f870-e863-11e8-b8dc-66cca409c180_story.html|url-status=live}}
• Idaho: House Concurrent Resolution 32, adopted in March 2020, mandates that the national motto be placed over the chairs of presiding officers of both chambers of Idaho Legislature.{{Cite web|title=House Concurrent Resolution 32|url=https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/hcr032/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Idaho State Legislature|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/hcr032/}}
• Kentucky: In 2014, a law was passed that obliged display of the national motto in legislative buildings and in committees.{{Cite web|title=7.090 Legislative Research Commission – Kentucky|url=https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=43315|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Kentucky General Assembly|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=43315}} In June 2019, a bill sponsored by state Representative Brandon Reed of Hodgenville was passed that required Kentucky public schools to display the motto "in a prominent location", beginning from the 2019–20 school year.{{Cite web|date=2019-06-27|title=Display of national motto in public elementary and secondary schools – Reading and posting in public schools of texts and documents on American history and heritage.|url=https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48792|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Kentucky General Assembly|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48792}}{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Josh|date=2019-09-13|title='In God We Trust': display in Kentucky schools marks effort to mix church and state|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/12/in-god-we-trust-display-in-kentucky-schools-marks-effort-to-mix-church-and-state|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010403/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/sep/12/in-god-we-trust-display-in-kentucky-schools-marks-effort-to-mix-church-and-state}} To protest the requirement, Fayette County Public Schools, a school district which serves Lexington, complied by posting framed one-dollar bills, which bear the slogan,{{cite web|date=2019-08-14|title='In God We Trust' found in form of dollar bill at Fayette County schools|url=https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/In-God-We-Trust-found-in-form-of-dollar-bill-at-Fayette-County-school-542607641.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901175508/https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/In-God-We-Trust-found-in-form-of-dollar-bill-at-Fayette-County-school-542607641.html|archive-date=2019-09-01|access-date=2019-09-01|website=WKYT}} while in LaRue County, of which Hodgenville is seat, schools were using oversized images of pennies.
• Louisiana: A bill requiring public display of the motto in public schools was introduced by state Senator Regina Ashford Barrow in March 2018. It was passed unanimously both in the Senate (33 to 0) and in the House (93 to 0){{Cite web|last=Rand|first=Brendan|date=2019-08-13|title=Louisiana public schools will display 'In God We Trust' beginning this school year|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/louisiana-public-schools-display-god-trust-beginning-school/story?id=64947756|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010357/https://abcnews.go.com/US/louisiana-public-schools-display-god-trust-beginning-school/story?id=64947756}} and signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards in May that year.{{cite web|author=Kelly McCleary|date=2019-08-11|title='In God We Trust' signs to greet Louisiana students in new school year|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/11/us/in-god-we-trust-louisiana-schools/index.html|url-status=live|access-date=2020-05-19|website=CNN|archive-date=2020-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913180826/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/11/us/in-god-we-trust-louisiana-schools/index.html}}{{Cite web|last=Torres|first=Ella|date=2019-07-26|title=South Dakota public schools now required to display 'In God We Trust' on walls|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/south-dakota-public-schools-now-required-display-god/story?id=64587406|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=ABC News|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818101126/https://abcnews.go.com/US/south-dakota-public-schools-now-required-display-god/story?id=64587406}} The bill also mandated school instruction about "In God We Trust" as part of the social studies curriculum.{{Cite web|title=Senate Bill No. 224|url=https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1101373|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Louisiana State Legislature|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225022216/https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1101373}} The law was strengthened in August 2023 to require the motto to be hung in each classroom.{{Cite web |last=Ogunbayo |first=Morayo |date=2023-08-02 |title=Louisiana public schools now required to display 'In God We Trust' in all classrooms |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/02/us/louisiana-public-schools-in-god-we-trust/index.html |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=CNN |language=en}}
• Mississippi: In March 2001, Governor of Mississippi Ronnie Musgrove signed legislation requiring the motto "In God We Trust" to be displayed in every public school classroom, as well as the school auditoriums and cafeterias, throughout the state.{{cite news|date=2001-03-25|title=National News Briefs; 'In God We Trust' Motto For Mississippi Schools|newspaper=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/25/us/national-news-briefs-in-god-we-trust-motto-for-mississippi-schools.html|url-status=live|access-date=2017-12-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222162529/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/25/us/national-news-briefs-in-god-we-trust-motto-for-mississippi-schools.html|archive-date=2017-12-22}}
• Ohio: Ohio requires public schools to hang material featuring the motto if school districts receive it as donation, or if money is donated with the stated purpose of buying such materials.{{Cite web|date=2006-07-17|title=New Ohio Law Requires Schools to Display "In God We Trust"|url=https://www.lc.org/newsroom/details/071706-new-ohio-law-requires-schools-to-display-in-god-we-trust|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Liberty Counsel|language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• South Dakota: In March 2019, South Dakota required public schools to prominently display "In God We Trust" motto on their walls, starting from the 2019–20 school year.{{Cite news|last=Matias|first=Dani|date=2019-07-25|title=South Dakota Public Schools Add 'In God We Trust' Signs To Walls|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/07/25/744909500/south-dakota-public-schools-add-in-god-we-trust-signs-to-walls|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=National Public Radio|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010357/https://www.npr.org/2019/07/25/744909500/south-dakota-public-schools-add-in-god-we-trust-signs-to-walls}}{{Cite web|date=2019-07-24|title='In God We Trust' going up at South Dakota public schools|url=https://apnews.com/article/7fee63ffb2f14a3698815490325a9fc6|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Associated Press|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010357/https://apnews.com/article/7fee63ffb2f14a3698815490325a9fc6}}{{cite web|title=Bill Title: Require the national motto of the United States to be displayed in public schools.|url=https://legiscan.com/SD/text/SB55/id/1945148|url-status=live|access-date=2020-05-16|website=Legiscan|archive-date=2019-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726190623/https://legiscan.com/SD/text/SB55/id/1945148}}
• Tennessee: In March 2018, a bill sponsored by state Representative Susan Lynn, which requires Tennessee schools to prominently display "In God We Trust" passed the state House with 81 of the 99 members voting in favor of it.{{cite web|last=Meyer|first=Holly|title=Tennessee lawmakers pass bill requiring public schools to post 'In God We Trust' motto|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2018/03/21/tennessee-lawmakers-pass-bill-requiring-public-schools-post-god-we-trust-motto/442884002/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The Tennessean}} After being approved unanimously in the Senate, it was signed by Governor Bill Haslam into law the following month.{{Cite web|last=Constantine|first=Mary|title='In God We Trust' motto now required to be displayed in all Tennessee public schools|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2018/08/03/god-we-trust-motto-tennessee-public-schools/889966002/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Knoxville News Sentinel|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516131731/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2018/08/03/god-we-trust-motto-tennessee-public-schools/889966002/}}
• Texas: Texas allowed display of the motto in public schools and higher education institutions since 2003.{{Cite web|title=Government Legislature|url=https://ingodwetrust.com/get-involved/government-legislature/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=In God We Trust|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://ingodwetrust.com/get-involved/government-legislature/}} The Texas Legislature then passed a bill in 2021 to mandate donated copies of the motto to be hung in a "conspicuous place" in a collage that should, aside from the motto, also include the United States flag and the Texas flag, but nothing more.{{Cite web|last=Bohra|first=Neelam|date=2021-05-24|title=Some Texas schools would be required to hang "In God We Trust" signs under measure nearing passage by lawmakers|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/24/texas-school-signs-legislature/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The Texas Tribune|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524231923/https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/24/texas-school-signs-legislature/}}{{Cite news |last=Dearman |first=Eleanor |date=2023-06-09 |title=Texas just modified the rules for 'In God We Trust' signs hung in schools. What changed? |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article276258316.html |access-date=2023-09-02}} Two years later, another bill prohibited anyone from denying the possibility to hang such mottos.
• Virginia: A regulation that obliges all Virginia schools to publicly display the motto was signed into law in May 2002.{{Cite news|last1=Helderman|first1=Rosalind S.|last2=Samuels|first2=Christina A.|date=2002-06-28|title=Va. Schools Forge Ahead With National Motto|language=en-US|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/06/28/va-schools-forge-ahead-with-national-motto/c1a2521b-73d8-4b54-87b0-7bbd2b30e599/|access-date=2021-05-25|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=2018-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724075313/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/06/28/va-schools-forge-ahead-with-national-motto/c1a2521b-73d8-4b54-87b0-7bbd2b30e599/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2002-05-17|title=2002 Uncodified Acts – Chapter 895|url=https://law.lis.virginia.gov/uncodifiedacts/2002/session1/chapter895/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Virginia General Assembly|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://law.lis.virginia.gov/uncodifiedacts/2002/session1/chapter895/}}
• Utah: Utah's law to oblige schools to publicly display "In God We Trust" was signed into law in March 2002 by Governor Mike Leavitt.{{Cite web|last=Tanner|first=Courtney|date=2019-07-27|title=Utah has required schools to have 'In God We Trust' posted publicly for 17 years|url=https://sltrib.com/news/2019/07/27/utah-has-required-schools|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010400/https://www.sltrib.com/news/2019/07/27/utah-has-required-schools/}} The law also mandates school instruction about the motto.{{Cite web|title=53G-10-302. Instruction in American history and government – Study and posting of American heritage documents.|url=https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter10/53G-10-S302.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Utah Legislature|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010422/https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter10/53G-10-S302.html}}

• Alabama: A 2018 law allows display of the motto in schools, libraries, government buildings, and on law enforcement vehicles.{{Cite web|last=Schleisman|first=Nicolette|date=2018-08-21|title=New Alabama law allows "In God We Trust" in public schools|url=https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/new-alabama-law-allows-in-god-we-trust-in-public-schools/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=WKRG News 5|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010413/https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/new-alabama-law-allows-in-god-we-trust-in-public-schools/}}
• Arizona: Arizona allows public display of the motto in public schools.
• Georgia: Georgia allows for usage of the national motto in schools and government buildings, provided they have funds for pay for its display.
• Indiana: Indiana allows display of the national motto in public schools since 2005.
• Michigan: Michigan allows and encourages the display of the motto in and on public schools as well as state and local government buildings.{{Cite web|last=Pyeatt|first=Matt|date=2002-01-03|title=Michigan government offices now urged to display 'In God We Trust' – Baptist Press|url=https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/michigan-government-offices-now-urged-to-display-in-god-we-trust/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Baptist Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526011901/https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/michigan-government-offices-now-urged-to-display-in-god-we-trust/}}
• New Hampshire: {{Abbr|HB|House Bill}} 69, introduced in April 2021, initially proposed to require schools to display the national and state motto's, and passed the House 204–169. It was amended in the Senate to allow publication of the mottos and approved on May 13, 2021,{{Cite web|last=Rayno|first=Garry|date=2021-05-13|title=Senate Sends Bills Changing Public Education To Governor|url=http://indepthnh.org/2021/05/13/senate-sends-bills-changing-public-education-to-governor/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=InDepthNH.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010358/http://indepthnh.org/2021/05/13/senate-sends-bills-changing-public-education-to-governor/|url-status=live}} which was approved by the House the following month.{{Cite web|date=2021-06-10|title=New Hampshire Legislature protects display of mottos|url=https://apnews.com/article/nh-state-wire-new-hampshire-legislature-57dc2ca53e1b453a968d3f86d8d587a0|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-28|website=Associated Press|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628221851/https://apnews.com/article/nh-state-wire-new-hampshire-legislature-57dc2ca53e1b453a968d3f86d8d587a0}} The bill was signed into law by Governor Chris Sununu on July 30, 2021.{{Cite web|date=2021-07-30|title=Governor Chris Sununu Signs 23 Bills Into Law, Vetoes 2|url=https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-and-media/governor-chris-sununu-signs-23-bills-law-vetoes-2|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-07|website=Governor of New Hampshire|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807181321/https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-and-media/governor-chris-sununu-signs-23-bills-law-vetoes-2}}{{Cite web|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=2021-08-07|title=NH Primary Source: Democrats, Republicans spar over bill prohibiting restrictions on display of state, national mottos|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-democrats-republicans-spar-over-bills-prohibiting-restrictions-on-display-of-state-national-mottos/37226390|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-07|website=WMUR 9|archive-date=2021-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807181330/https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-democrats-republicans-spar-over-bills-prohibiting-restrictions-on-display-of-state-national-mottos/37226390}}
• North Dakota: North Dakota statute allows display of the national motto in public schools.
• Oklahoma: A bill was passed in 2004 that allowed public schools to display "In God We Trust" and E pluribus unum in classrooms, auditoriums and cafeterias;{{Cite web|title=Bill No. 2477 (An Act relating to schools)|url=http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2003-04%20ENR/hB/HB2477%20ENR.PDF|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Oklahoma Legislature|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010413/http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2003-04%20ENR/hB/HB2477%20ENR.PDF}} a 2018 Senate bill to mandate such display died in the House.{{Cite web|title=Oklahoma SB1016 {{!}} 2018 {{!}} Regular Session|url=https://legiscan.com/OK/bill/SB1016/2018|access-date=2021-05-25|website=LegiScan|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010414/https://legiscan.com/OK/bill/SB1016/2018|url-status=live}}
• South Carolina: South Carolina allows political subdivisions and schools to post a display detailing the foundations of the American law and government, of which the national motto is one of thirteen documents, while providing context to these documents in terms detailed by the state statute.{{Cite web|title=South Carolina Code of Laws. Title 10 – Public Buildings and Property|url=https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t10c001.php|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=South Carolina General Assembly|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010357/https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t10c001.php}}

In addition to that, several local governments have introduced the display of the motto in government buildings and municipal cars.{{Cite web|last=Daniel|first=Rae|date=2015-08-01|title='In God We Trust' stickers placed on Jefferson Co., IL squad cars|url=https://www.kfvs12.com/story/29683669/in-god-we-trust-to-be-placed-on-jefferson-co-il-squad-cars|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801181841/http://www.kfvs12.com/story/29683669/in-god-we-trust-to-be-placed-on-jefferson-co-il-squad-cars|archive-date=2015-08-01|access-date=2021-08-09|website=KFVS-TV|language=en}}{{cite news|last1=Sam|first1=Morgan|date=2019-06-06|title='In God We Trust' decals to be placed on local police, fire vehicles|work=The Bakersfield Californian|url=https://www.bakersfield.com/news/in-god-we-trust-decals-to-be-placed-on-local/article_fb214930-880a-11e9-9042-03579af67a08.html|url-status=live|access-date=2019-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607003302/https://www.bakersfield.com/news/in-god-we-trust-decals-to-be-placed-on-local/article_fb214930-880a-11e9-9042-03579af67a08.html|archive-date=2019-06-07}}{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://ingodwetrustamerica.org/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=In God We Trust America|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010400/https://ingodwetrustamerica.org/|url-status=live}} School boards have also seen voluntary introduction of the motto, particularly after the September 11 attacks, when the American Family Association supplied several 11-by-14-inch posters to school systems and vowed to defend any legal challenges to their display.{{cite news|last=Howlett|first=Debbie|date=2002-02-19|title='In God We Trust' pressed for schools|work=USAToday|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/02/20/usat-posters.htm|url-status=live|access-date=2013-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111072453/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/02/20/usat-posters.htm|archive-date=2013-11-11}}

File:Downtown Siloam Springs, AR 023.jpg (Siloam Springs, Arkansas) engraved with the words "{{sc|IN GOD WE TRUST}}"]]

Multiple scholars have noted that "In God We Trust" motto is one of the main elements of civil religion in the United States.{{multiref|For various perspectives on the matter, see:|{{Cite journal|last=Latterell|first=Justin|date=2015-04-21|title=In God We Trust: Abraham Lincoln and America's Deathbed Repentance|journal=Political Theology|language=en|volume=12|issue=4|pages=594–607|doi=10.1558/poth.v12i4.594|doi-access=free}}|{{Cite journal|last=Bellah|first=Robert N.|date=1967|title=Civil Religion in America|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20027022|journal=Daedalus|volume=96|issue=1|pages=1–21|issn=0011-5266|jstor=20027022|access-date=2021-05-26|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010412/https://www.jstor.org/stable/20027022|url-status=live}}|{{Cite web|date=1999-10-26|title=In God We Trust: Civil and Uncivil Religion in America|url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/archived/encounter/in-god-we-trust-civil-and-uncivil-religion-in/3560790|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814180717/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/archived/encounter/in-god-we-trust-civil-and-uncivil-religion-in/3560790}}|{{Cite web|last=Fait|first=Stefano|title=Civil Religion|url=https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1519/civil-religion|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Middle Tennessee State University|language=en|archive-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221133104/https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1519/civil-religion}}|{{Cite journal|last1=Knicely|first1=James J.|last2=Whitehead|first2=John W.|date=2010|title=In God We Trust: The Judicial Establishment of American Civil Religion|url=https://repository.law.uic.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1097&context=lawreview|journal=John Marshall Law Review|volume=43|access-date=2021-05-26|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010413/https://repository.law.uic.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1097&context=lawreview|url-status=live}}|{{Cite journal|last=Coleman|first=John A.|date=1970-07-01|title=Civil Religion|journal=Sociology of Religion|volume=31|issue=2|pages=75|doi=10.2307/3710057|jstor=3710057|doi-access=free}}}}

In Judaism and Christianity, the official motto "In God We Trust" is not found verbatim in any verses from the Bible, but the phrase is translated in similar terms in {{Bibleverse||Psalm|91:2|KJV}}, in the Old Testament ("I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust") and in the New Testament in {{Bibleverse||2 Corinthians|1:10|KJV}} ("Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.") The concept is paraphrased in {{Bibleverse||Psalm|118:8|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse||Psalm|40:3|KJV}}, {{Bibleverse||Psalm|73:28|KJV}}, and {{Bibleverse||Proverbs|29:25|KJV}}.{{cite web|title=In God We Trust: The Motto|url=http://www.allabouthistory.org/in-god-we-trust.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216035526/http://www.allabouthistory.org/in-god-we-trust.htm|archive-date=2013-02-16|access-date=2013-02-26|publisher=All About History}} According to Philip Jenkins, a historian of religion, some Bible translations rendered Psalm 56:11 as "In God I trust; I will not fear",{{Cite web|title=The Scottish Metrical Psalter|url=http://www.cgmusic.org/workshop/smp_frame.htm|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.cgmusic.org|archive-date=2021-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423052439/http://www.cgmusic.org/workshop/smp_frame.htm|url-status=live}} which could lead to substitution of the first "I" for "we".

In Islam the word for the concept of reliance on God is called {{transliteration|ar|Tawakkul}}; "In God We Trust" is the verbatim translation of the phrase "'alallahi tawakkalna" that appears in two places of the Quran, in surah Yunus ([https://quran.com/10/85 10:85]), as well as surah Al-A'raf ([https://quran.com/7/89 7:89]), and several other verses reinforce this concept.{{cite web|title=IN GOD WE TRUST|date=7 January 2022 |url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/askamuslim/2022/01/in-god-we-trust/|access-date=2023-10-07|publisher=Patheos}} Melkote Ramaswamy, a Hindu American scholar, writes that the presence of the phrase "In God We Trust" on American currency is a reminder that "there is God everywhere, whether we are conscious or not."{{cite web|last=Ramaswamy|first=Melkote|date=2012-08-11|title=Faith/Values {{pipe}} Indianapolis Star|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120811/LIFE04/208110323/In-Hinduism-there-just-one-God-many-forms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019115759/http://www.indystar.com/article/20120811/LIFE04/208110323/In-Hinduism-there-just-one-God-many-forms|archive-date=2014-10-19|access-date=2014-02-04|publisher=indystar.com}}

File:2008_South_Carolina_license_plate_In_God_We_Trust_000_000.png of South Carolina, designed in 2002|alt="In God We Trust" on the top of the optional license plate of South Carolina, designed in 2002. U.S. and South Carolina's flag appear weaving off a pole in the middle, separating two series of three characters each.]]

File:Mississippi sample plate, 2019.png}} "IN GOD WE TRUST" can be seen at the bottom of the state seal.|alt=Mississippi current standard plate design (as of 2021). "IN GOD WE TRUST" can be seen at the bottom of the state seal, which is located in the gap between three letters and four numbers of the license plate.]]

As of May 25, 2021, the following U.S. states currently offer an "In God We Trust" license plate (vanity and standard issues): Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio,{{cite web|title=4503.763 Ohio Battleflag license plates.|url=http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4503.763|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530035758/http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4503.763|archive-date=2018-05-30|access-date=2018-05-29|website=Ohio Administrative Code|publisher=Lawriter LLC|quote="Ohio Battleflag" license plates shall be inscribed with the words "In God We Trust"}} Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.{{Cite web|title=Project Blitz – "In God We Trust" License Plates|url=https://www.blitzwatch.org/in-god-we-trust-license-plates|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=BlitzWatch|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010414/https://www.blitzwatch.org/in-god-we-trust-license-plates}}{{Cite web|last=Parke|first=Caleb|date=2019-01-03|title=Mississippi unveils new state license plates with 'In God We Trust'|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/mississippis-new-license-plates-say-in-god-we-trust|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Fox News|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215715/https://www.foxnews.com/us/mississippis-new-license-plates-say-in-god-we-trust}}

Among the states that use the motto in standard issues, the Mississippi's standard plate will feature the motto as displayed on its state seal until the end of 2023, when it will change to the design that does not contain the motto.{{Cite web |last=Pittman |first=Ashton |date=2023-05-03 |title='In God We Trust' Absent On New Mississippi License Plates After Atheists' Lawsuit |url=https://www.mississippifreepress.org/32901/in-god-we-trust-absent-on-new-mississippi-license-plates-after-atheists-lawsuit |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=Mississippi Free Press |language=en-US}} Utah offers a standard option license plate with a seal.{{Cite web|title=In God We Trust – Utah|url=https://dmv.utah.gov/plates/united|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Utah Department of Motor Vehicles|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214145/https://dmv.utah.gov/plates/united}} Florida, which also offers a specialty plate, has an option to place "In God We Trust" instead of the official state nickname or county name;{{Cite web|title=License Plates & Registration|url=https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512171520/https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/license-plates-registration/|url-status=live}} Georgia also provides for such an option,{{Cite web|title=2019 Georgia Code :: Title 40 – Motor Vehicles and Traffic :: Chapter 2 – Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles :: Article 1 – General Provisions :: § 40-2-9. Space for county name decal; display of "In God We Trust" decal in lieu of county name decal|url=https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2019/title-40/chapter-2/article-1/section-40-2-9/|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Justia Law|language=en|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2019/title-40/chapter-2/article-1/section-40-2-9/|url-status=live}} while North Carolina offers an option with North Carolina's state motto and "In God We Trust" instead of "First in Flight" or "First in Freedom".{{Cite news|last=Stradling|first=Richard|date=2019-07-01|title='In God We Trust' now an option on your next North Carolina license plate|work=The News & Observer|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article232138912.html|access-date=2021-05-25|archive-date=2021-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526010359/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article232138912.html|url-status=live}} In Tennessee, the 2022 issue license plates have two versions: with and without the national motto.{{Cite web|last=Medina|first=Daniella|title=Exclusive: Designer explains how we ended up with those 4 options for Tennessee's new license plate|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2021/09/24/tennessee-license-plate-design-speak-creative/5830623001/|access-date=2022-01-07|website=The Tennessean|language=en-US}} As of March 2023, about 60% of the state's license tags feature "In God We Trust", but this falls to 21% in Davidson County, which includes the state capital, Nashville.{{Cite web |last=Shoup |first=Craig |date=2023-03-20 |title=Just Askin': How many Tennesseans have 'In God We Trust' license plates? |url=https://eu.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/03/20/tennessee-have-in-god-we-trust-license-plates-by-county/69868402007/ |access-date=2023-04-08 |website=The Tennessean}}

According to a 2003 joint poll by USA Today, CNN, and Gallup, 90% of Americans support the inscription "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins. MSNBC launched a similar live survey online that ran for several years in the late 2000s and yielded overwhelming opposition to the removal of the motto.{{Cite web |last=Mikkelson |first=David |date=2009-10-28 |title=NBC Belief in God Poll |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/god-poll/ |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Snopes |language=en-US}} However, a more recent student poll in 2019 by College Pulse made for The College Fix showed that just over a half of students supports inclusion of the national motto in currency, with two-thirds of those who recognised themselves as Democrats opposing and 94% of Republicans in favor of the measure.

"In God We Trust" has long been controversial as an official motto due to what opponents perceive as being a religious statement, and as such, violating the separation of church and state. Secular and atheist organizations, such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State,{{Cite web|last=Sokol|first=Samantha|date=2020-07-02|title=Mississippi Trades Confederate Emblem For 'In God We Trust' On State Flag|url=https://www.au.org/blogs/mississippi-new-flag|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Americans United for Separation of Church and State|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214648/https://www.au.org/blogs/mississippi-new-flag}}{{Cite web|last=Boston|first=Rob|date=2019-01-25|title=If 'In God We Trust' Isn't Really A Religious Statement, Then What Exactly Is It?|url=https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/if-in-god-we-trust-isnt-really-a-religious-statement-then-what-exactly-is|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Americans United for Separation of Church and State|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214801/https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/if-in-god-we-trust-isnt-really-a-religious-statement-then-what-exactly-is}} Freedom From Religion Foundation,{{Cite web|last=Nachreiner-Mackesey|first=Bailey|title=Take Action: "In God We Trust" bill has passed the Ill. House – Freedom From Religion Foundation|url=https://ffrf.org/news/action/item/38783-take-action-in-god-we-trust-bill-has-passed-the-ill-house|access-date=2021-05-31|website=ffrf.org|date=26 April 2021 |language=en-gb|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214310/https://ffrf.org/news/action/item/38783-take-action-in-god-we-trust-bill-has-passed-the-ill-house|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Nachreiner-Mackesey|first=Bailey|title=Take Action: N.H. lawmakers advance 'In God We Trust' in schools – Freedom From Religion Foundation|url=https://ffrf.org/news/action/item/38715-take-action-n-h-lawmakers-advance-in-god-we-trust-in-schools|access-date=2021-05-31|website=ffrf.org|date=13 April 2021 |language=en-gb|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215353/https://ffrf.org/news/action/item/38715-take-action-n-h-lawmakers-advance-in-god-we-trust-in-schools|url-status=live}} as well as The Satanic Temple members, have all opposed inclusion of such motto. On the other hand, Project Blitz as well as conservative organizations and lawmakers have lobbied for its further adoption.{{Cite web|title=Project Blitz – "In God We Trust" Displays in Schools|url=https://www.blitzwatch.org/in-god-we-trust-school-displays|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=BlitzWatch|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215734/https://www.blitzwatch.org/in-god-we-trust-school-displays}}{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=David|date=2019-01-14|title='In God We Trust' – the bills Christian nationalists hope will 'protect religious freedom'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/14/christian-nationalists-bills-religious-freedom-project-blitz|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603080726/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jan/14/christian-nationalists-bills-religious-freedom-project-blitz}}

Proponents have extensively argued for inclusion of the national motto in more settings, grounding it in the traditional invocations of God that they say have now become an element of a civil religion and should express the will of the founders, who believed in God.{{Cite web|last=Foster|first=Thomas A.|date=2011-11-09|title="In God We Trust" or "E Pluribus Unum"? The American Founders Preferred the Latter Motto {{!}} Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective|url=https://origins.osu.edu/history-news/god-we-trust-or-e-pluribus-unum-american-founders-preferred-latter-motto|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Oregon State University|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215156/https://origins.osu.edu/history-news/god-we-trust-or-e-pluribus-unum-american-founders-preferred-latter-motto}}{{Cite web|title=Why Is This Significant?|url=https://ingodwetrust.com/about/|access-date=2021-05-31|website=In God We Trust|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213949/https://ingodwetrust.com/about/|url-status=live}} Opponents, on the other hand, argue that not only does the motto violate the secular character of the United States, but it also predefines the type and number of gods (if any) to be trusted.{{Cite web|last=Forman|first=Carmen|title=Oklahoma House speaker wants 'In God We Trust' displayed in state buildings|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/02/oklahoma-house-speaker-wants-in-god-we-trust-displayed-in-state-buildings/334638007/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-25|website=The Oklahoman|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407234817/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/02/oklahoma-house-speaker-wants-in-god-we-trust-displayed-in-state-buildings/334638007/}}{{Cite web|last=Avery|first=Daniel|date=2019-08-06|title=Where does "In God We Trust" come from? National motto appearing in public schools across America|url=https://www.newsweek.com/god-we-trust-motto-south-dakota-1452797|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213520/https://www.newsweek.com/god-we-trust-motto-south-dakota-1452797}}

The constitutionality of the phrase "In God We Trust" has been repeatedly upheld according to the judicial interpretation of accommodationism, whose adherents state that this entrenched practice has not historically presented any constitutional difficulty, is not coercive, and does not prefer one religious denomination over another.{{cite book|author=Richard H. Fallon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vonnZcMHs8kC&pg=PA60|title=The Dynamic Constitution: an Introduction to Americans Constitutional Law|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2004|isbn=978-0-521-60078-1|page=60|quote='Strict separationists' believe that the government has no business supporting religious beliefs or institutions in any way – for example, by providing tax breaks to churches, assisting parochial schools, including prayers or benedictions in public ceremonies, or inscribing "In God We Trust" on the currency. Religious accommodationists can well explain why certain entrenched social practices (such as the inscription of "In God We Trust" on the currency) were not historically perceived as presenting constitutional difficulties: The relevant practices are not coercive and do not prefer one narrow sect over another.|access-date=2016-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118232121/https://books.google.com/books?id=vonnZcMHs8kC&pg=PA60|archive-date=2016-11-18|url-status=live}} In Zorach v. Clauson (1952), the Supreme Court also wrote that the nation's "institutions presuppose a Supreme Being" and that government recognition of God does not constitute the establishment of a state church as the U.S. constitution's authors intended to prohibit.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gymQ6vWfA3QC&q=Zorach+v.+Clauson+++In+God+We+Trust&pg=PA817|title=ABA Journal Sep 1962|date= 1962|quote=Much more recently, in 1952, speaking through Mr. Justice Douglas in Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306, 313, the Supreme Court repeated the same sentiments, saying: We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being. Mr. Justice Brewer in the Holy Trinity case, supra, mentioned many of these evidences of religion, and Mr. Justice Douglas in the Zorach case referred to ... [P]rayers in our legislative halls; the appeals to the Almighty in the messages of the Chief Executive; the proclamation making Thanksgiving Day a holiday; "So help me God" in our courtroom oaths – these and ... other references to the Almighty ... run through our laws, our public rituals, our ceremonies ... the supplication with which the Court opens each session: "God save the United States and this Honorable Court" (312–313). To this list may be added tax exemption of churches, chaplaincies in the armed forces, the "Pray for Peace" postmark, the widespread observance of Christmas holidays, and, in classrooms, singing the fourth stanza of America which is prayer invoking the protection of God, and the words "in God is our trust" as found in the National Anthem, and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, modified by an Act of Congress of June 14, 1954, to include the words "under God.|access-date=2016-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119065015/https://books.google.com/books?id=gymQ6vWfA3QC&pg=PA817&dq=Zorach+v.+Clauson+++In+God+We+Trust#v=onepage&q=Zorach%20v.%20Clauson%20%20%20In%20God%20We%20Trust&f=false|archive-date=November 19, 2016|url-status=live}} The courts also rely on the notion of "ceremonial deism" (as defined in Brennan's dissent in Lynch v. Donnelly, 1984),{{Cite web|last1=Merriam|first1=Jesse|last2=Lupu|first2=Ira|last3=Elwood|first3=F.|last4=Davis|first4=Eleanor|last5=Tuttle|first5=Robert|last6=R.|first6=David|last7=Kirschner|first7=Sherry|date=2008-08-28|title=On Ceremonial Occasions, May the Government Invoke a Deity?|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2008/08/28/on-ceremonial-occasions-may-the-government-invoke-a-deity/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215404/https://www.pewforum.org/2008/08/28/on-ceremonial-occasions-may-the-government-invoke-a-deity/}} i.e. that there exist religious references that, through their repetitious and customary usage, have become secular and are thus constitutional.{{Cite web|last=Thorne|first=M.|date=Sep 2003|title=The Tangled Web of Ceremonial Deism|url=https://www.libertymagazine.org/article/the-tangled-web-of-ceremonial-deism|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Liberty|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213824/https://www.libertymagazine.org/article/the-tangled-web-of-ceremonial-deism}} While opponents of such rulings argue that Jefferson's notion of a "wall of separation between church and state" prohibits any aid, direct or indirect, to any religious institution, and therefore any ruling to the contrary goes counter to Founders' intent, this separationist view has not gained significant ground in judicial settings.{{Cite journal|last=Jones|first=Richard H.|date=1989|title="In God We Trust" and the Establishment Clause|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23916922|journal=Journal of Church and State|volume=31|issue=3|pages=381–417|doi=10.1093/jcs/31.3.381|jstor=23916922|issn=0021-969X|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602223929/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23916922|url-status=live}}

Even though not directly related to the motto, Engel v. Vitale (1962) elicited much speculation on the future of "In God We Trust" in public settings. In the ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a New York law that encouraged public schools to recite a prayer as written in state law on First Amendment grounds. The ruling sparked widespread outrage and was extremely unpopular at the time, even as the judges' decision was near-unanimous.{{Cite journal|last=Lain|first=Corinna Barrett|date=2015|title=God, Civic Virtue, and the American Way: Reconstructing Engel|url=https://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2153&context=law-faculty-publications|journal=Stanford Law Review|volume=67|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215405/https://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2153&context=law-faculty-publications|url-status=live}} Almost 4/5 of Americans disapproved of the ruling, according to a Gallup poll.{{Cite web|last=Lyons|first=Linda|date=2002-12-10|title=The Gallup Brain: Prayer in Public Schools|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/7393/Gallup-Brain-Prayer-Public-Schools.aspx|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Gallup|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213215/https://news.gallup.com/poll/7393/Gallup-Brain-Prayer-Public-Schools.aspx}} Congressmen were afraid that "In God We Trust" would have to disappear from coins and banknotes,{{Cite journal|date=1962-06-28|title=The Supreme Court Decision on Prayer in Public Schools of New York |url=https://www.congress.gov/87/crecb/1962/06/28/GPO-CRECB-1962-pt9-5.pdf|journal=Congressional Record – Senate|pages=12226|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214337/https://www.congress.gov/87/crecb/1962/06/28/GPO-CRECB-1962-pt9-5.pdf|url-status=live}} the feeling shared by the then president of the American Bar Association, John C. Salterfield. Senator Sam Ervin, a Democrat from North Carolina, went so far as to wonder if God was declared unconstitutional by that decision.{{Cite journal|date=1962-06-26|title=The Supreme Court decision on prayer in public schools of New York|url=https://www.congress.gov/87/crecb/1962/06/26/GPO-CRECB-1962-pt9-3.pdf|journal=Congressional Record – Senate|pages=11709|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214522/https://www.congress.gov/87/crecb/1962/06/26/GPO-CRECB-1962-pt9-3.pdf|url-status=live}} Congressmen tried to direct federal funds to buy Bibles for the Supreme Court justices and to propose a constitutional amendment allowing school prayer (both measures failed). A similar ruling the following year in Abington Township v. Schempp prompted senators to attempt to force the Supreme Court to hang the national motto in the courtroom, which also did not succeed.

Even though the Supreme Court has never ruled directly on the constitutionality of "In God We Trust",{{Cite web|last=Dunn|first=Christopher|date=2015-10-02|title=Column: The Pope, Invoking God, and New York Courtrooms (New York Law Journal)|url=https://www.nyclu.org/en/publications/column-pope-invoking-god-and-new-york-courtrooms-new-york-law-journal|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=New York Civil Liberties Union|language=en|quote=The Supreme Court has never ruled on any aspect of government use of "In God We Trust," and the phrase appears only as an aside in a few of the Court's opinions.|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215154/https://www.nyclu.org/en/publications/column-pope-invoking-god-and-new-york-courtrooms-new-york-law-journal}} several appellate federal courts and some state courts have, and the Supreme Court itself did not seem to have any problem with the phrase being inscribed on coins and banknotes.

Aronow v. United States (1970) was the first case to challenge the inclusion of "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency.{{cite court|litigants=Aronow v. United States|court=9th Cir.|reporter=F.2d|vol=432|opinion=242|pinpoint=243|date=1970-10-06|url=http://openjurist.org/432/f2d/242/aronow-v-united-states|}} The passage of the statute that the lawsuit challenged ("the inscription 'In God we Trust'...shall appear on all United States currency and coins", {{USC|31|324a}}) stood, and the Ninth Circuit stated that "its [motto's] use is of patriotic or ceremonial character and bears no true resemblance to a governmental sponsorship of a religious exercise". In O'Hair v. Blumenthal (1978), the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas also upheld the law. A similar decision was reached on appeal to the Fifth Circuit in 1979, which affirmed that the "primary purpose of the slogan was secular".{{Cite book|last=Duncan|first=Ann W.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-6kZHs0yG5sC&q=Church-state+Issues+in+America+Today|title=Church-state Issues in America Today|date=2007-12-30|publisher=Praeger Publishers|isbn=978-0-275-99367-2|volume=1|location=Westport, Ct.|pages=88|language=en|access-date=2021-06-19|archive-date=2021-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817024630/https://books.google.com/books?id=-6kZHs0yG5sC&q=Church-state+Issues+in+America+Today|url-status=live}} The same decision was reached in Gaylor v. United States (1996) when it was appealed to the Tenth Circuit.{{Cite web|date=1996-01-23|title=Gaylor v. United States |url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-10th-circuit/1343475.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Findlaw|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215425/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-10th-circuit/1343475.html}}

Michael Newdow then launched a series of lawsuits attempting to outlaw "In God We Trust", with support of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Newdow was known for his previous case Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow (2004), in which the Ninth Circuit issued a ruling removing "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance (the ruling was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court). A federal judge in California rejected his reasoning in a June 2006 ruling, as did the Ninth Circuit. Because the Supreme Court denied certiorari, the appellate court's decision, which said that "the national motto is of a "patriotic or ceremonial character," has no "theological or ritualistic impact," and does not constitute "governmental sponsorship of a religious exercise,"" remained unchanged and in force.{{Cite news|last=Egelko|first=Bob|date=2011-03-08|title='In God We Trust' suit rejected by Supreme Court|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/In-God-We-Trust-suit-rejected-by-Supreme-Court-2471527.php|access-date=2021-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213222045/https://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/In-God-We-Trust-suit-rejected-by-Supreme-Court-2471527.php|archive-date=2018-02-13}} A lawsuit filed by Newdow and Freedom from Religion Foundation in 2013 in New York also failed, both on trial{{cite web|title=Lawsuit to remove 'In God We Trust' from money gets dismissed - KSL.com|url=http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=1016&sid=26823999&fm=most_popular|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224232917/https://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=1016&sid=26823999&fm=most_popular|archive-date=2018-02-24|access-date=2018-02-24|work=ksl.com}} and on appeal to the Second Circuit;{{Cite news|last=Volokh|first=Eugene|date=2014-05-28|title="In God We Trust" on currency doesn't violate the First Amendment or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/05/28/in-god-we-trust-on-currency-doesnt-violate-the-first-amendment-or-the-religious-freedom-restoration-act/|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616042227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/05/28/in-god-we-trust-on-currency-doesnt-violate-the-first-amendment-or-the-religious-freedom-restoration-act/|url-status=live}} yet another one, filed in Ohio in 2016, was dismissed by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit.{{Cite web|title=New Doe Child #1 v. Congress of the United States, No. 16-4345 (6th Cir. 2018)|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/16-4345/16-4345-2018-05-29.html|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Justia Law|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214520/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/ca6/16-4345/16-4345-2018-05-29.html|url-status=live}} The same happened with the lawsuit in the Eighth Circuit, which was unrelated to Newdow's efforts.{{Cite web|last=Hudson Jr.|first=David L.|title=8th Circuit: "In God We Trust" on money is constitutional|url=https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/post/177/8th-circuit-in-god-we-trust-on-money-is-constitutional|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Middle Tennessee State University|date=4 September 2018 |language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214602/https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/post/177/8th-circuit-in-god-we-trust-on-money-is-constitutional}}{{Cite news|last=Stempel|first=Jonathan|date=2018-08-28|title=U.S. court rejects atheists' appeal over 'In God We Trust' on money|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-religion-motto-idUSKCN1LD24K|access-date=2021-06-01|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214359/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-religion-motto-idUSKCN1LD24K|url-status=live}}

In 2015, David F. Bauman, a New Jersey state judge, dismissed a case against the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District brought by a student of the district and the American Humanist Association that argued that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance created a climate of discrimination because it promoted religion, making non-believers "second-class citizens".{{cite web|author=Salvador Rizzo|title=Hearing 'Under God' in Pledge of Allegiance does not violate rights of atheist students, NJ judge rules|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/hearing-under-god-in-pledge-of-allegiance-does-not-violate-rights-of-atheist-students-nj-judge-rules-1.1332137|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310061721/http://www.northjersey.com/news/hearing-under-god-in-pledge-of-allegiance-does-not-violate-rights-of-atheist-students-nj-judge-rules-1.1332137|archive-date=2016-03-10|access-date=2016-02-29|work=NorthJersey.com}}{{cite web|date=2015-02-07|title=Judge Refuses To Kick God Out Of Public Schools|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maureensullivan/2015/02/07/judge-refuses-to-kick-god-out-of-public-schools/#11e06914435f|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229082828/http://www.forbes.com/sites/maureensullivan/2015/02/07/judge-refuses-to-kick-god-out-of-public-schools/#11e06914435f|archive-date=2016-02-29|access-date=2016-02-29|work=Forbes}} Bauman noted that "as a matter of historical tradition, the words 'under God' can no more be expunged from the national consciousness than the words 'In God We Trust' from every coin in the land, than the words 'so help me God' from every presidential oath since 1789, or than the prayer that has opened every congressional session of legislative business since 1787."{{Cite web|date=2015-02-04|title=American Humanist Association v. 176|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/nj-superior-court/1700792.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Findlaw|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214601/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/nj-superior-court/1700792.html}}

Additionally, several courts have agreed that "In God We Trust" on public buildings did not violate the Establishment Clause: the New Hampshire Supreme Court (1967){{Cite web|date=1967-04-06|title=Opinion of the Justices, 108 N.H. 97|url=https://casetext.com/case/opinion-of-the-justices-496|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=casetext.com|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215202/https://casetext.com/case/opinion-of-the-justices-496}} and the Fourth Circuit (2005){{Cite web|title=Lambeth v. Board of Commr's of Davidson County|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/2005813418f3d3951778|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Leagle|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108005409/https://www.leagle.com/decision/2005813418f3d3951778|url-status=live}} did so for public schools, and the same appellate federal court argued the same for a county government office (2005).{{Cite web|title=Lambeth v. Board of Cmmr's of Davidson County {{!}} 407 F.3d 266 {{!}} 4th Cir. {{!}} Judgment {{!}} Law |url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/591474e4add7b049343a767e|access-date=2021-06-01|website=www.casemine.com|language=en|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214802/https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/591474e4add7b049343a767e|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Douglas|first=Davison M.|author-link=Davison M. Douglas|date=2012-07-08|title=National Motto In God We Trust|url=https://uscivilliberties.org/themes/4191-national-motto-in-god-we-trust.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Civil Liberties in the United States|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815185111/https://uscivilliberties.org/themes/4191-national-motto-in-god-we-trust.html}}

Even though efforts to remove "In God We Trust" in most settings were largely fruitless, mandatory display of mottos in general on license plates drew some skepticism from the judiciary. In Wooley v. Maynard (1977), the Supreme Court struck down a New Hampshire law mandating that every person carry the state motto on their license plates. The Supreme Court noted in the case that the state can't force its citizens to "use their private property as a 'mobile billboard' for the State's ideological message". Applying Wooley in Griggs v. Graham (2023), a federal judge in Mississippi ruled that under the Free Speech Clause, the state may not force individuals to display "In God We Trust" as it appears on the state seal on their license plates (see above). The judge suggested that objectors to the statement may deface the part of the license tag containing it even though a Mississippi statute may arguably punish this behavior, but declined to order the state to issue religiously neutral license plates free of charge.{{Cite web|date=2023-03-03|title=Judge declines to order Mississippi to issue nonreligious license plates|url=https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-declines-to-order-mississippi-to-issue-non-religious-license-plates/

|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Courthouse News Service|language=en-us}} In an unrelated development while the ruling was on appeal, Mississippi announced the winner of a design contest for the new standard plate, which did not include the motto.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-02 |title=New state license plate: Magnolia in, 'In God We Trust' out |url=https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-license-plate-design-religious-beliefs-lawsuit-d647200272f0b46be2639ccdb79d7084 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=AP News |language=en}} Atheist plaintiffs were satisfied and dropped the lawsuit in May that year.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=American Atheists Claims Victory for Removal of "In God We Trust" from Mississippi's Standard License Plate |url=https://www.atheists.org/2023/05/mississippi-removes-in-god-we-trust-license-plate/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=American Atheists |language=en-US}}

The Supreme Court never decided a case challenging the constitutionality of "In God we Trust" as a national/state motto. But in obiter dicta, the majority of the Supreme Court in Wooley indicated they would reject the line of argument that the plaintiffs used in that case to declare the presence of the national motto on currency unconstitutional. They argued that unlike license plates, currency was not something that was either associated directly with the owner or made to display.{{Cite web|title=Wooley v. Maynard (1977) No. 75-1453|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/430/705.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=Findlaw|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213858/https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/430/705.html}}

The Spanish equivalent of "In God We Trust", {{lang|es|En Dios Confiamos}}, is an unofficial motto of the Republic of Nicaragua. The phrase can be seen on most of Nicaragua's coins. In 2023, Shas, a Haredi religious political party in Israel, proposed a bill that would order inclusion of "In God we trust" motto on banknotes, but it died in the Knesset.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-25 |title=Shas bill: Add 'In God we trust' to banknotes as 'talisman for economic success' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/shas-bill-proposes-adding-in-god-we-trust-to-banknotes/ |website=The Times of Israel}}

Additionally, the phrase has been used in heraldic settings. In 1860, the phrase was included in the coat of arms of New Westminster, British Columbia, and it stayed there ever since.{{Cite web|date=2006-10-07|title=Coat of Arms|url=http://www.city.new-westminster.bc.ca/symbols.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061007110804/http://www.city.new-westminster.bc.ca/symbols.htm|archive-date=2006-10-07|access-date=2021-05-29|website=City of New Westminster}}{{Cite web|title=City Symbols|url=https://www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/media/city_symbols.php|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-01|website=City of New Westminster|language=EN|archive-date=2021-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213847/https://www.newwestcity.ca/city_hall/media/city_symbols.php}} Until 1997 (though still traditionally remembered), the official heraldic motto of Brighton, England was the Latin equivalent of the phrase: {{lang|la|In Deo Fidemus}}.{{cite web|title=Stock Photo – The coat of arms of Brighton with Motto: 'IN DEO FIDEMUS' – We trust in God on wall, Brighton, East Sussex, England UK in April|url=https://www.alamy.com/the-coat-of-arms-of-brighton-with-motto-in-deo-fidemus-we-trust-in-god-on-wall-brighton-east-sussex-england-uk-in-april-image179873295.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603073442/https://www.alamy.com/the-coat-of-arms-of-brighton-with-motto-in-deo-fidemus-we-trust-in-god-on-wall-brighton-east-sussex-england-uk-in-april-image179873295.html|archive-date=2019-06-03|access-date=2019-06-03|website=Alamy}}{{Cite web|last=Carder|first=Tim|date=1990|title=Arms and motto – Encyclopedia of Brighton|url=https://www.mybrightonandhove.org.uk/topics/corporation-and-council/corporation-and-council-4|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-29|language=en|via=My Brighton and Hove|archive-date=2021-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328225902/https://www.mybrightonandhove.org.uk/topics/corporation-and-council/corporation-and-council-4}}

• In other countries:
• Deus seja louvado (Brazil)
• Dieu et mon droit (UK)
• God, Honour, Fatherland (Poland)
• "God Save the King" (UK)
• God zij met ons (Netherlands)
• Gott mit uns (Prussia, previously in Germany)
• In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash
• List of Florida state symbols
• May God have mercy upon your soul
• National symbols of the United States
• Pledge of Allegiance of the United States, "under God" added in 1954
• Religion in the United States
• So help me God
• Trust in God and keep your powder dry

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|In God We Trust}}

• [https://www.theguardian.com/uk_news/story/0,3604,1685668,00.html Final answer? Not quite as star gets second chance to play for a million] – article in The Guardian about a disputed quiz question about the motto of the United States.
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLc6WDOMUwA Local documentary on origin of phrase]

{{US currency and coinage}}{{List of official United States national symbols}}{{Florida}}{{Portal bar|Numismatics|Politics|Religion|United States}}

Category:American political catchphrases

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