'What a joke': Donald Trump shredded as he warns Catholics that President Joe Biden will persecute them for their faith

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump's recent video on his Truth Social account, titled "Stopping the Persecution of Christians!" has sparked a heated debate as he alleged that the FBI is involved in targeting Christians, particularly Catholics. 

Donald Trump talks about apparent persecution of Christians and Americans of faith under President Joe Biden

In the video, Trump claimed, "Under crooked Joe Biden, Christians and Americans of faith are being persecuted like nothing this nation has ever seen before."

He specifically pointed to the alleged targeting of Catholics and evangelicals, stating, "Catholics, in particular, are being targeted, and evangelicals are surely on the watch list as well."

The former president cited supposed incidents over the past three years, including the Biden administration's deployment of SWAT teams to arrest pro-life activists. 

Trump went further, suggesting a return to Cold War-era tactics, saying, "The FBI has been caught profiling devout Catholics as possible domestic terrorists and planning to send undercover spies into Catholic churches, just like in the old days of the Soviet Union."

His comments seemed to reference a leaked FBI document from earlier this year, which highlighted an extremist threat posed by "radical-traditionalist Catholics." The memo, removed by the FBI, fueled Republican accusations of religious persecution.

Responding to the allegations, the FBI clarified to Newsweek, "While we have no comment on specific remarks, any characterization that the FBI is targeting Catholics is false."

The organization added, "The FBI is committed to upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans, and we do not conduct investigations based solely on First Amendment–protected activity, including religious practices."

Trump further said in his video, "Catholics, you cannot vote for the Democrats. You cannot even think about voting for Biden. What they're doing to you is shocking."

Donald Trump talks about forming a new task force dedicated to 'fighting anti-Christian bias'

The controversy prompted the GOP-led House's launch of a federal government subcommittee to initiate an investigation. Their interim report titled "The FBI's Breach of Religious Freedom," released on December 4, expressed concern about potential government overreach and emphasized the need to safeguard civil liberties.

"While the FBI claims it 'does not categorize investigations as domestic terrorism based on the religious beliefs—to include Catholicism—of the subject involved,' an FBI-wide memorandum originating from the FBI's Richmond Field Office did just that," said the subcommittee said in a press release.

It added, "The FBI's Richmond memorandum is a startling reminder that Americans' civil liberties and core Constitutional rights must be vigorously guarded against government overreach, including in this case from an overzealous federal law enforcement agency."

FBI Director Christopher Wray was grilled by senators during a recent congressional hearing regarding the leaked memo. He, visibly taken aback, stated that those involved in creating the memo were not fired but assured that the matter would impact their annual performance reviews.

Trump, responding to the situation, outlined plans for reform if reelected. "As president, I will create a new federal task force on fighting anti-Christian bias. It will be led by a reformed Department of Justice, but it will involve many agencies and departments," expressed the ex-POTUS.

He continued, "Its purview will be to investigate all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and the persecution of Christians in America, as well as the use of taxpayer dollars to promote anti-Christian bigotry."

In addition to addressing the FBI's alleged misconduct, Trump's proposed task force would review past DOJ prosecutions for evidence of prejudice.

It would also examine government agencies, higher educational institutions, and major corporations suspected of deploying what Trump termed as "anti-Christian diversity, equity, and inclusion programs."

The mention of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs stirred controversy, as these initiatives have faced criticism from Republicans for favoring marginalized groups. Trump's proposal to scrutinize such programs further fueled debates surrounding their efficacy, as per Newsweek.

Internet reacts to Donald Trump's claims regarding persecution of Christians and Americans of faith under President Joe Biden

Soon after Trump's accusation of supposed persecution of Christians and Americans under Biden's government came to light, netizens didn't shy away from taking a dig at the ex-POTUS. 

One wrote, "Christ, is he still here? The bastion of religious endeavor?" while another commented, "Hoo boy! Does he not know where Biden goes every Sunday?"

A person said, "Does Trump know that Biden is Catholic and actually goes to church, unlike Trump? What a joke."

Someone else expressed, "Seems Skinky doesn't know or Choose to Ignore The Fact POTUS Biden is A Devout Catholic who goes to Church to Receive Holy Sacrament Every Week Without Fail. Trump tells Lies that can be easily Debunked." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.