The White House is responding to criticisms from top Republicans who have inaccurately criticized President Joe Biden for issuing a proclamation in support of transgender people on Easter Sunday.
The president’s spokesperson dismissed the criticisms from House Speaker, former President Donald Trump, and other individuals who claimed that Biden’s message for the Transgender Day of Visibility was “blasphemous” and contradicted Christianity.
According to a statement given to ABC News by White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, President Biden, as a Christian who celebrates Easter with his family, is committed to uniting people and protecting the dignity and freedoms of all Americans.
“It is disheartening to see politicians attempting to divide and undermine our nation through their cruel, hateful, and dishonest language. President Biden is committed to never exploiting his faith for political gain or personal profit,” Bates emphasized.
Biden, America’s second Catholic president who frequently attends Mass, has faced increasing conservative backlash over the weekend. This is due to a proclamation he released on Friday, honoring the “extraordinary courage and contributions” of transgender Americans, in observance of the Transgender Day of Visibility, which takes place every year on March 31st.
This year, Easter fell on the same day, despite its variable date.
Every year since assuming office in 2021, President Biden has issued a proclamation designating March 31 as the Transgender Day of Visibility.
In a statement released on Sunday to commemorate Easter, he emphasized the significance of this occasion by highlighting the profound impact of hope and the assurance brought by the Resurrection of Christ. He encouraged everyone to gather with their loved ones and reflect upon the sacrifice made by Jesus, while also expressing prayers and gratitude for the blessings of new beginnings.
On Saturday, Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his disappointment with the Biden administration, stating that they have “betrayed the central tenet of Easter, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
The speaker criticized Biden’s behavior during Easter, describing it as “outrageous and abhorrent.” They accused him of “proclaiming Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day’,” although in reality, the president was observing a day that has been celebrated since 2009.
Despite reaching out to Johnson’s office for further comment, ABC News did not receive a response.
Former 2024 GOP presidential candidate and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy reiterated Johnson’s criticism through his own social media posts.
Senator Tim Scott, a former Republican presidential candidate, also expressed his disapproval of President Biden’s comments, describing them as an insult to Christians. In a text message to his supporters, Senator Scott included a donation link to further support his cause.
The proclamation made by Biden was widely criticized by Republican critics, including Trump’s reelection campaign, who denounced it as “blasphemous.”
“We urge Joe Biden’s struggling campaign and White House to apologize to the countless Catholics and Christians throughout America who firmly believe that tomorrow is solely dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” remarked Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary for the Trump campaign.
Trump has consistently questioned the religious beliefs of his opponents throughout his career.
Biden’s supporters are also pushing back against the attacks.
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, a pastor in Atlanta, criticized the attempt to divide people by individuals who lack leadership skills, stating that it goes against the principles of the Christian faith. He expressed his views during an interview on CNN on Sunday.
Critics of Biden are also taking issue with an egg art contest happening at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll. Trump, Johnson, Scott, and Ramaswamy have all accused the administration of prohibiting religious depictions in the contest.
The American Egg Board has been teaming up with the White House for nearly five decades to showcase exhibits during Easter, as part of their efforts to promote egg farmers. This collaboration has continued even during the Trump administration, according to a spokesperson from the American Egg Board.
According to the spokesperson, the board, established by Congress, is obligated to adhere to federal guidelines, which include a prohibition on favoring any religion. The spokesperson further mentioned that this requirement has been incorporated into their promotions for many years.
The flyer for this year’s youth egg art contest includes a list of restrictions. According to the flyer, participants are not allowed to promote discrimination, illegal drugs, firearms, or any questionable content. Additionally, the flyer mentions that religious symbols, overtly religious themes, and partisan political statements are also not permitted.
In a statement, the American Egg Board expressed its long-standing support for the White House Easter Egg Roll, spanning over 45 years. The organization clarified that the guideline language mentioned in recent news reports has consistently applied to them since their inception, regardless of the administration in power.
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