SW News: The Tennessee state Senate approved adding "In God We Trust" to the state seal on Monday with a unanimous vote. The measure has now been sent to the House's State Government Committee.

State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) and State Representative John Holsclaw (R-Elizabethton) introduced Senate Bill 0420 and House Bill 0771 respectively.

Gov. Bill Lee would also have to submit a design for the new state seal by July 1, 2025, if the bill passes the House. State Senator Rusty Crowe said that the new seal should also reflect the importance of God as a constant reminder that the state's agriculture, commerce, politics, and economic fortunes are tied to its spiritual faith. Both Republicans and Democrats voted to include the nation’s motto on the state seal.

Senator Crowe said this bill brings together the state’s motto of ‘Commerce and Agriculture’ with the nation’s motto ‘In God We Trust’ under one beautiful seal. “It also proudly brings together both sides of the aisle as Democrats and Republicans alike voted unanimously to approve of this legislation,” he added.

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made "In God We Trust" the official motto of the country and ordered that it be printed on all US money, signifying that the future of the country's economy and politics is in God's hands.

The national anthem of the United States and the state motto of Florida are both "In God We Trust." It was adopted by the US Congress in 1956, replacing E pluribus unum, which had been the de facto motto since the initial design of the Great Seal of the United States. The phrase first appeared in print in the middle of the 19th century, but it was Union supporters who used it as a political slogan during the American Civil War to underline their devotion to God and raise spirits.