Trump reads Bible in Oval Office amid religious tensions

Donald Trump read a Bible passage from the Old Testament during a recent event titled "America Reads the Bible," aimed at celebrating the nation’s spiritual foundations. The reading, which was livestreamed by Great American Media, featured Trump reciting from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 in the Oval Office, with the presidential flag displayed behind him. Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, stated, "We’re making a statement during this week as America reads the Bible... I believe the president’s saying that by reading this scripture specifically."

This event comes shortly after Trump faced backlash for his comments regarding Iran and a controversial exchange with Pope Leo XIV, who criticized Trump’s remarks as "truly unacceptable." Trump retaliated by labeling the pope as "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy." This clash has complicated the Republican Party's dynamics, as many lawmakers seek to solidify support ahead of the 2026 midterms, especially given that over 80% of American Catholics view Pope Leo favorably.

Additionally, Trump’s recent posting of an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus has drawn criticism from some conservative supporters, who deemed it blasphemous. Despite these controversies, evangelical Christians remain a crucial voting bloc for Trump, who has pledged to "bring back Christianity" on the 2024 campaign trail. His administration has blurred the lines between church and state, exemplified by the establishment of a Religious Liberty Commission focused on issues like voluntary prayer in public schools.

What to watch: The upcoming reactions from Republican lawmakers as they navigate the fallout from Trump's recent controversies and prepare for the 2026 midterms.