Here’s what Trump and Biden said in their Easter messages

Former President Trump

MSNBC

President Biden and former President Trump issued starkly different Easter messages. Biden struck a solemn tone, referencing Jesus’ sacrifice and praying for peace, but also marked the holy day as “Transgender Day of Visibility.”

Crooked Joe

NBC

In comparison, Trump posted in all-caps on Truth Social against prosecutors pursuing criminal cases against him, insulting them and “crooked Joe.”

Angering conservatives

NBC

Earlier, Biden acknowledged Transgender Day of Visibility, angering conservatives who argued it slighted Easter.

Warmest wishes

NBC

“Jill and I send our warmest wishes to Christians around the world celebrating Easter Sunday. Easter reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection,” Biden said.

New possibilities

NBC

“As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus’s sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities,” he added. “And with wars and conflict taking a toll on innocent lives around the world, we renew our commitment to work for peace, security, and dignity for all people.”

Defended Biden

NBC

The White House defended Biden, a devout Catholic, saying he seeks to unite rather than divide with cruel rhetoric.

Bringing people together

NBC

“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Biden spokesperson Andrew Bates stated. “Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”

Cafeteria Catholic

NBC

President Joe Biden has been described as a “Cafeteria Catholic” to explain how he selectively adheres to certain aspects of the Catholic faith while diverging from or disregarding others.

Diverse interpretations

NBC

The concept of a “Cafeteria Catholic” conveys the idea of selective adherence to the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church, with individuals choosing which tenets to embrace and which to diverge from based on personal beliefs and external influences. This nuanced approach to religious identity has been a subject of contention and has elicited diverse interpretations and perspectives within the Catholic community and beyond.

Faith and political

NBC

The characterization of President Biden as a “Cafeteria Catholic” has elicited discussions regarding the influence of his faith on his political stances, particularly on contentious issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the death penalty. The complex interplay between religious convictions and the formulation of public policies has underscored the multifaceted nature of navigating faith within the realm of governance and leadership.

Political positions

NBC

One of the central points of divergence between President Biden’s political positions and Catholic doctrine pertains to the issue of abortion.

Support for abortion

NBC

While the Catholic Church holds a steadfast pro-life stance, President Biden has expressed support for abortion rights, prompting scrutiny and debate regarding the alignment of his public policy positions with his religious background.

Biden’s advocacy for LGBTQ+

NBC

President Biden’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his administration’s initiatives to safeguard and advance LGBTQ+ equality have drawn attention within the context of his Catholic faith.

Between certain teachings

NBC

The divergence between certain teachings of the Catholic Church and the administration’s policies has prompted discussions on the nuanced and evolving nature of religious identity in the public sphere.

Religious identity

NBC

The characterization of individuals as “Cafeteria Catholics” underscores the multifaceted nature of religious identity and its intersection with public service. The complexities of navigating personal faith, societal expectations, and the responsibilities of public office prompt nuanced interpretations and diverse perspectives on the alignment of religious convictions with political actions.

Faith and public service

NBC

The discussions surrounding President Biden’s religious identity and political positions underscore the imperative of fostering dialogue and understanding within the realm of faith and public service.

Differing viewpoints

NBC

The convergence of differing viewpoints and the complexities of religious interpretation highlight the ongoing discourse on the role of personal faith in shaping governance and leadership.

Conversations and debates

NBC

The characterization of President Joe Biden as a “Cafeteria Catholic” encapsulates the nuanced interplay between faith and political identity, prompting diverse conversations and debates on the alignment of religious convictions with public policy positions.

Faith and governance

NBC

As the discussions surrounding religious identity and public service continue to evolve, the imperative of fostering dialogue, understanding, and inclusive discourse remains essential in navigating the complex intersection of faith and governance.