Reflecting on Biden’s Controversial Proclamation During Easter 2024 and Its Aftermath

This year’s Holy Week promises to be free from the controversies that marked the previous year’s celebration at the White House.

Last year, President Joe Biden faced significant backlash for designating March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, coinciding with Easter Sunday in 2024. While March 31 has recognized as the Transgender Day of Visibility internationally since 2009, the timing of Biden’s proclamation ignited fierce criticism from various conservative factions.

In his statement, the President underscored the importance of supporting transgender individuals. Biden said, “Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility.”

However, the reaction from the public was swift and intense. Prominent Christians, along with social media users and commentators, publicly condemned the Biden administration for disrespecting the sanctity of Easter, a day that traditionally commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, in response to the situation, demanded an apology from Biden, asserting the proclamation was insulting to millions of Christians. His future press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, characterized Biden’s declaration as part of a broader persistent attack on the Christian faith from the current administration. Several well-known Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana and political figure Vivek Ramaswamy, also criticized Biden, claiming the proclamation constituted an affront to Christians.

The Biden administration attempted to downplay the controversy, noting that the President had issued a similar proclamation on March 31 in previous years without any public outcry.

Then-White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended Biden’s stance, stating, “As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”

On Easter last year, despite the uproar, Biden also took the opportunity to share a message of goodwill with Christians celebrating the holy day while reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice.

The fallout from last year’s events led to significant political shifts. Biden, grappling with concerns about his cognitive abilities, ultimately faced pressure to step aside from the Democratic ticket, while Trump captured the presidency once more in the November elections.

This year, as Holy Week unfolds, Trump’s administration has been busy rolling out various memorandums through its Faith Office, along with hosting pre-Easter celebrations. The recent statement from the Trump White House emphasizes a commitment to religious freedom and the safeguarding of Christian values in public life.

Trump stated, “This Holy Week, my administration renews its promise to defend the Christian faith in our schools, military, workplaces, hospitals, and halls of government. We will never waver in safeguarding the right to religious liberty, upholding the dignity of life, and protecting God in our public square.”

These events illustrate the stark contrasts in how both administrations approach issues of faith and visibility, particularly during meaningful times like Holy Week. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the intersection of politics and religious observance continues to evoke strong sentiments across the nation.

As this year’s Easter holiday approaches, all eyes will be on the actions of the current administration as they navigate sensitive topics that impact various communities. How politicians engage with issues of representation and faith in their policies remains crucial during this pivotal moment.

Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and Ashley J. DiMella contributed to this report.