Trump to Participate in Marathon Bible Reading
US President Donald Trump is set to take part in a marathon Bible reading session organised by Christian conservatives. This event occurs amid ongoing tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, as well as following Trump's recent posting of an image that appeared to depict him in a Jesus-like role.
On Tuesday night, Trump will read from the book of 2 Chronicles during the "America Reads the Bible" event held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington. This particular passage is frequently cited by Christian conservatives in the United States and is interpreted as a call for citizens to repent and for God to bless the nation.
The week-long continuous reading of the entire Bible began on 18 April, with numerous public figures participating. The US Constitution prohibits the government from establishing a national religion; however, the Trump administration has embraced a movement that views Christianity as a foundational element of the United States and encourages leaders to follow biblical teachings. For example, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth references scripture during press briefings and leads prayers within his department.
Event Details and Participants
The reading event is timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of US independence. Alongside Trump, other prominent conservatives and administration members, including Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are sharing passages from the Bible. Organisers of the event state that it aims to encourage a "return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country."
Trump's segment was recorded earlier in the White House's Oval Office, according to the organisers. The passage he will read includes the verse:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Context of Religious and Political Tensions
This Bible reading takes place amid a dispute between Trump and Pope Leo XIV. The Pope has criticised the US for engaging in conflict with Iran. On Friday, Trump responded to reporters by stating that he has:
a right to disagree with the Pope.
Trump's remarks followed the Pope's comments during an official visit to Cameroon, where the pontiff condemned those who manipulate religion for personal gain. The Pope said:
Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.
Additionally, Trump's participation in the Bible reading comes shortly after he faced criticism from some religious supporters for posting an AI-generated image that appeared to portray him as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick. Trump subsequently removed the post, explaining that he believed the image was intended to depict him as a doctor.
He later shared a second AI-generated image showing Jesus embracing Trump, accompanied by the caption:
The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!
