US President Donald Trump is set to take part in a marathon Bible reading session organised by Christian conservatives, amid tensions with the Pope and controversy surrounding a recent image portraying him in a Jesus-like manner.
Trump will read from 2 Chronicles on Tuesday night during the “America Reads the Bible” event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington. The passage is frequently cited by Christian conservatives in the United States and is widely interpreted as a call for national repentance and divine blessing.
The event is part of a week-long continuous reading of the entire Bible, which began on 18 April and features several public figures.
Although the US Constitution prohibits the establishment of a national religion, the Trump administration has aligned with a movement that promotes Christianity as central to the country’s founding and governance. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has been noted for referencing Bible passages in press briefings and leading prayers within his department.
The reading event coincides with activities marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. Other prominent conservatives and administration officials, including Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are also participating by reading selected passages.
Organisers say the initiative aims to encourage a “return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country”.
Trump’s segment was recorded earlier in the Oval Office, according to organisers. The passage he will read includes the line: “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.”
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The development comes as Trump remains at odds with Pope Leo XIV, who recently criticised the United States over its military actions in Iran.
On Friday, Trump told reporters that he has “a right to disagree with the Pope.”
His remarks followed comments by the Pope during an official visit to Cameroon, where he condemned those who “manipulate religion”.
“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,” the Pope said.
Trump has also faced criticism from some religious supporters over an AI-generated image he shared, which appeared to depict him as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick. He later deleted the post, explaining that he believed it portrayed him as a doctor.
He subsequently shared another AI-generated image showing Jesus embracing him, with the caption: “The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!”
(BBC)