House Speaker Mike Johnson questions whether President Biden fully understood what he was doing when he issued a proclamation declaring March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, the same day as Easter this year, leading to a dispute over the timing and implications of the proclamation. Johnson and other top Republicans criticized the proclamation's precedence on one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar, while a White House spokesperson clarified that the date was not chosen by Biden. The controversy has sparked a debate over religious and progressive values, with some Democrats criticizing Johnson for his stance.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized President Biden for denying the declaration of March 31 as "Transgender Day of Visibility," coinciding with Easter, questioning who is running the White House. Biden's denial sparked outrage among Christians, with Orlando Magic star Jonathan Isaac and Caitlyn Jenner expressing disgust. The White House downplayed Biden's comments, stating that he did not choose the date for Transgender Day of Visibility. The controversy also involved the banning of religious-themed Easter egg designs for the White House Easter Egg Roll event.
President Biden responded to Rep. Mike Johnson's criticism of the official acknowledgement of "Transgender Day of Visibility" by calling him "thoroughly uninformed" during the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. The fiasco was sparked by Republicans who mistakenly thought Biden had created the day, with Johnson criticizing the proclamation and the White House's rules for an Easter egg art contest. The White House press secretary addressed the misinformation, explaining that Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility coincided this year due to the nature of the calendar, and the ban on religious imagery in the contest has been in place since 1978.
President Biden faced criticism for proclaiming March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, which coincided with Easter this year. When asked about it, Biden denied responsibility, stating "I didn't do that." The White House spokesperson clarified that the date was set since 2009 and not chosen by Biden. The timing of the proclamation sparked outrage among Christians, with some calling it disrespectful and a direct assault on Christianity. Biden, who identifies as a "devout Catholic," has previously faced scrutiny over his stance on LGBTQ+ and abortion issues.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called out Fox News for criticizing the recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, pointing out their past commemoration of the event. She emphasized President Biden's commitment to bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, while decrying the deliberate spread of misinformation. The controversy arose as the day coincided with Easter, leading to criticism from Republican officials and conservative commentators.
President Biden acknowledged both Easter and the International Transgender Day of Visibility, drawing criticism from Republicans who accused him of besmirching Christianity. This year marked the second time in 15 years that the two occasions coincided, prompting Mr. Biden to publicly honor both. Republicans responded with statements condemning the acknowledgment of Transgender Day of Visibility, continuing a pattern of backlash against public recognition of transgender people.
President Joe Biden's proclamation of March 31 as "Transgender Day of Visibility" has sparked criticism from Donald Trump's campaign and religious conservatives, who accuse him of being insensitive to Christianity as the date coincides with Easter this year. The White House defended Biden's proclamation, stating that he stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, while the advocacy group GLAAD emphasized that people can both celebrate Easter and show support for the transgender community. The clash highlights the tensions between Biden's political stances and conservative Christian beliefs.
President Biden's proclamation for Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter has sparked outrage among some Christians, who view it as disrespectful to their religious holiday. The move has been criticized as an attempt to replace God with the trans community and remove religion from society. Critics argue that the proclamation is part of a strategy to appeal to the progressive base and diminish the influence of religion in public discourse, while others express concern about the conflation of Easter with a transgender celebration.
Donald Trump and his allies criticized President Biden for acknowledging Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, falsely claiming that Biden prohibited children from submitting religious egg designs to a White House Easter art contest. They accused the White House of betraying Easter's central tenet and labeled the coincidence as an attack on Easter. Biden, a devout Catholic, celebrated Easter observances and renewed his commitment to work for peace and dignity for all people. The attacks come as Trump faces legal troubles and sells $60 Bibles, drawing criticism for using religion for political and personal profit.
Fox News host Howard Kurtz defended President Joe Biden's proclamation of Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, pointing out that the holiday has always been on March 31 and occasionally coincides with Easter. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups criticized conservative criticism as politicized lies and emphasized that the date of Easter moves each year, while Trans Day of Visibility is always recognized on March 31. Biden, a Catholic, has championed LGBTQ+ rights and called on Congress to pass the Equality Act, amid facing backlash from conservatives and accusations of desecrating Easter.
The U.S. sends more weapons to Israel amid calls for a cease-fire, while a bridge collapse in Maryland poses a major challenge for Governor Wes Moore. King Charles III makes his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis, and Florida residents express dissatisfaction with the state. In politics, Rep. Bacon suggests Rep. Johnson could lose the speakership over Ukraine aid, and controversial remarks are made about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, a lung cancer patient receives a lifesaving transplant after seeing an NBC News report, and "buy now, pay later" services raise concerns about debt accumulation. Lastly, transgender individuals share how their lives have improved after transitioning, and several other news stories are highlighted.
The Trump campaign and religious conservatives criticized President Biden for issuing a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday, accusing him of insensitivity to religion. Biden's spokesperson defended the president, stating that he stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American. The controversy comes as Trump faces legal challenges, including a criminal trial and civil penalties, and continues to make inflammatory comments despite being under a gag order.
President Biden and former President Trump delivered contrasting Easter messages, with Biden offering a solemn message of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection, while Trump used his message to lash out at political opponents and prosecutors involved in criminal cases against him. Biden's acknowledgment of Transgender Day of Visibility on the same day as Easter drew criticism from conservatives, prompting the White House to defend Biden's religious beliefs and commitment to upholding the dignity and freedoms of all Americans.
The White House defended President Biden's decision to mark March 31 as "Transgender Day of Visibility" despite it falling on Easter Sunday this year, with a spokesman stating that those critical of the inclusiveness message are trying to further divide the country. The announcement sparked backlash from prominent Christians, politicians, and commentators, with some accusing the administration of disrespecting the significance of Easter and insulting Christians across America. Former President Trump called for an immediate apology, while others criticized the administration's proclamation as an assault on the Christian faith.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered 13 landmarks to be lit in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, echoing the White House's observance of the day. This decision has sparked controversy as the day coincides with Easter Sunday, a significant Christian holiday. Despite the criticism, events are scheduled worldwide to honor the transgender community, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and recognition of transgender individuals.
