Unfortunately, separation of church and state has been reinterpreted by many. Some now say it simply means that the establishment of a State Religion would be unconstitutional.

Trump no more so then any other presidents in the last few decade's. A person has the right to believe as they want. And you can't get elected without pandering to the religious. Yes the country was founded on that principle but has never really been practiced that way. Your British point of view is the same as a lot of us here, and our kind is growing every day. Some day logic will prevail and our leaders won't have to bow down to the church's. I hope it will be in our life time.

To anwser your question, a U.S. president leading prayers, and talking to faith leaders isnt that unusual. Referencing God in speeches, and holding prayers has been among the laundry list of things our leaders have been expected to do for awhile now.

However, you're correct in thinking that this is being publicized far more then with the other administrations, and he's brought talking with faith leaders to a whole new level. As Americans we can publically shame and criticize Trumps actions, but legally our president is free to talk too whoever he wishes.

Strangely, The Queen is both of head of state and head of the Church of England, and there is no separation of state and religion, yet religion is far less embraced by the general public in England than in the USA.

If I were elected I would sit through some religious shit out of respect for the Americans that are still stuck in that way of thought and to better my image in their view, it's part of the game.

Trump is a moron, whose sole opinion of you is based on your opinion of him. For reasons I still can’t fathom, the thumpers worship him like a deity and he eats it up. (If they were among his harshest critics, don’t think for a second he wouldn’t move to tax the churches, or enact something else punitive... you’re either with him or against him... right and wrong don’t really apply in a trumpian administration)

I don’t think the demographics and attitudes have shifted as much as, like with the increased vocalizations from white power folk, certain groups feel more emboldened than ever, evangelicals among them, with their guy (again wtf?!) being at the helm and the illusion of a greater majority than they have (thanks in part due to gerrymandering).

Hopefully this was just an overreaction pendulum swing and we can return to a state of normalcy in the next cycle. Regardless it’s hard not to see some level of backlash

My impression, again as an outsider in the UK, is that many of those in authority are not just bringing religion into state and local affairs, but are trying to give the impression that this was the intention of the founding fathers - that America was founded by Christians, for Christians.