This quote was spoken by Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 22, 1952, during a speech in New York City shortly before his presidential inauguration.

The Full Context

Critics often use the line to paint his views as generic, but the complete passage shows he was speaking about democratic equality:

"Our form of government has no sense unless it is founded in a deeply felt religious faith, and I don't care what it is. With us, of course, it is the Judeo-Christian concept, but it must be a religion that all men are created equal."

Key Drivers Behind the Quote

• Cold War Contrast: He wanted to contrast American democracy against Soviet state atheism by arguing human rights come from a higher power, not the state.
• Pluralistic Inclusivity: The phrase "I don't care what it is" was meant to unite Catholics, Protestants, and Jews under a shared American identity.
• Democratic Equality: His main requirement for faith was that it must align with the principle that all people are created equal.

The Historical Legacy

This speech marked the start of 1950s American civil religion. During Eisenhower's presidency, Congress added "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance (1954) and established "In God We Trust" as the official national motto (1956).