Video Transcription:
This morning, President Trump and his allies are launching new attacks on religious groups, questioning their efforts to help migrants in the United States. Catholic and Lutheran charities report facing a cash crisis after the administration ended funding for their refugee resettlement programs. This development coincides with the President's creation of a task force aimed at targeting what he terms anti-Christian discrimination in the federal government, just over the weekend.
Joining us now is Reverend Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of the Interfaith Alliance. Thank you very much for being with us. How significant is anti-Christian discrimination in the federal government?
Interestingly, it's almost non-existent. Christians have been part of the federal government, and numerous successful programs have been run with Christian assistance in USAID. This isn't the issue. The President is attempting to create a problem as part of a power play. We've observed an anti-Christian bias originating from the White House, necessitating protection from the White House itself. Individuals like Mary and Buddy, who have faced attacks and bullying from the President, including death threats for preaching mercy from her pulpit, are prime examples. Catholic bishops have been criticized by JD Vance for their work, accused of prioritizing financial gain. These accusations are baseless and offensive. Lutheran services, along with the elderly and people across the country, are doing commendable work. Yet, Elon Musk alleges they are involved in money laundering, which is outrageous. These are direct assaults on Christian communities. The Quakers have also experienced similar issues, with ICE now permitted to intrude into congregations repeatedly. Christian communities are under attack from the Trump, Vance, and Musk administration.
It's ironic that they're expressing concern about anti-Christian bias when we actually require protection from this White House. Rather than providing protection, this White House does enjoy considerable support from various segments of the faith community. How do you perceive the White House utilizing faith?
This White House exploits faith for power, following a Christian nationalist playbook. Their support isn't broad-based; it's concentrated within a narrow segment of American Christianity, specifically white Protestant Christian nationalists pursuing power. They are being rewarded. While it's not solely Christian nationalists, numerous religious groups supporting him, including many within the Evangelical community, contribute to his base. While not all evangelicals are Christian nationalists, many lean towards it. These groups played a significant role in his reelection. When he discusses anti-Christian bias, he isn't referring to Christianity at large or mainstream Christianity, which includes Episcopalians, Catholics, Lutherans, Quakers, and even the LDS Church. Even the LDS Church has voiced concerns about governmental attacks on their ministry.
Currently, a small group of individuals have gained power and are attempting to establish a privileged class of belief. This is the essence of Christian nationalism – certain individuals believe they possess a privileged status due to their Christian identity and viewpoint on power. They perceive the current administration as their ally in the White House, rewarding them with privileges, exemplified by this new executive order, which is biased against the majority of Christian individuals.
This is a crucial discussion moving forward. Reverend Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, we appreciate your presence here today. Thank you, Kate.