Tulsi Gabbard accuses Jen Psaki of ‘hatred of God’ after anti-prayer remarks on Minneapolis shooting
WASHINGTON, DC: Tulsi Gabbard is criticizing former White House press secretary Jen Psaki over her viral post dismissing public prayer after the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that killed two children and injured 18 others.
Gabbard accused Psaki of harboring “hatred of God” and called her an “agent of darkness.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also rebuked Psaki’s remarks as “utterly disrespectful.”
Tulsi Gabbard calls Jen Psaki 'agent of darkness' after viral prayer remarks
Psaki went viral on X for her post stating, “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers do not end school shootings. Prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.” Her comment drew over 15 million views and backlash from Republicans.
Responding Friday on X, Gabbard asked, “So why is it that people like Jen Psaki and others have such a spontaneous, visceral negative reaction to those who are praying to God for refuge, strength, and the wellbeing of the victims of this heinous attack? Because they do not believe in God or His love.”
Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.
— Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 27, 2025
“Their response is rooted in their hatred of God,” she continued. “They want to be God, so they view Him as their competitor. They are agents of darkness and hatred, and the light of God’s love is a threat to their dark ambitions.”
Gabbard also tied her criticism to Democratic policy causes, labeling transgender rights as “insanity and darkness” and citing Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Karoline Leavitt and JD Vance join criticism of Psaki
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Psaki’s dismissal of prayer was “utterly disrespectful” and urged her to pray for the grieving families rather than denounce those who do.
Leavitt also reposted a message from The Conservateur, which read in part: “There is a demonic force moving when a transgender maniac sprays bullets at pews of Catholic school children. Shame on the progressive leaders and lawmakers who make this about the man in the White House, the second amendment, or so-called trans bigotry. This is a corruption of minds to commit horrific acts of violence. We pray for the victims, their families, and the entire Annunciation community during this grueling time. And yes, prayers do count and do work."
The language mirrors talking points widely circulated by Trump allies and right-wing commentators following the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.
Vice President JD Vance added on X: “Why would Jen Psaki attack people for praying when those children were literally praying as they were murdered?”
We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 28, 2025
Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? https://t.co/KfTJ71Hcjf
A shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday left two children dead and 18 others injured, prompting national outrage and renewed debate over gun violence and public mourning. FBI Director Kash Patel identified shooter Robin Westman as male, though court filings showed they had previously sought to change their name and identify as female.
