The phrase 'In God We Trust' had been used officially in the United States for years; it first appeared on coins in 1864, during the Civil War, as a statement reflecting trust in divine providence. However, it wasn't until 1956 that the phrase took on the status of the national motto, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a joint resolution passed by Congress. This occurred during the Cold War, a period dominated by tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which advocated for atheistic communism. Leaders in the U.S. viewed the adoption of a divine motto as a reaffirmation of the nation's faith-based identity, contrasting sharply with its geopolitical rival.

The joint resolution was passed with considerable bipartisan support, reflecting a broader religious sentiment that existed in the United States during this era. Eisenhower, a Christian and a proponent of public faith, expressed his support for the phrase as part of America’s foundational values. The inclusion of 'In God We Trust' as the national motto aimed to bolster national unity and convey a sense of divine protection and guidance to the American public.

Following its designation, 'In God We Trust' began to appear prominently in various governmental contexts, including on U.S. currency and in government buildings. This move also spurred debates regarding the intersection of religion and government, prompting discussions about the First Amendment and issues of secularism versus religious endorsement in public life.