Today is the 70th anniversary of when “In God We Trust” became America’s motto. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law on July 30, 1956. The resolution also required the motto to appear on all U.S. currency, including coins as well as paper money, which it still is today.
Championing the Bill
The legislation was introduced by Florida Representative Charles E. Bennett. It quickly gained traction with the Committee on Banking and Currency, as well as with fellow lawmakers like Herman Eberharter of Pennsylvania and Oren Harris of Arkansas.
Bennett argued his case on the House Floor using two primary justifications:
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America’s Spiritual Heritage: He emphasized that the U.S. was founded on spiritual principles and a firm trust in God, noting that while faith is universal, the specific four-word phrase is uniquely American.
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The Cold War Context: Framing the bill as a cultural defense against “materialistic communism,” Bennett argued that putting the motto on currency would serve as a constant reminder that America’s political and economic strength is deeply tied to its faith.
He said,
Nothing can be more certain than that our country was founded in a spiritual atmosphere and with a firm trust in God. … 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.
Historical Precedent and Implementation
While “In God We Trust” had appeared on most U.S. coins since the Civil War—originally at the urging of Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase—it had never been printed on paper money. Prior to this 1955 law, the motto had also been occasionally left off certain types of coins.
Bennett’s legislation faced almost no resistance, easily passing the House on a voice vote and clearing the Senate less than three weeks later. In 1957, shortly after Congress officially designated “In God We Trust” as the national motto, the first paper dollar bills featuring the inscription entered circulation.
