According to a report by Mediaite on Friday, December 22, 2023, former President Donald Trump made bold claims, accusing President Joe Biden of orchestrating a Soviet-style crackdown on Catholics in the United States.
Trump asserted that under the leadership of “Crooked Joe Biden,” Christians and Americans of faith are facing unprecedented persecution.
Specifically pointing to Catholics, Trump contended that they are being targeted, with evangelicals potentially on the watch list as well.
According to Trump, the Biden administration has escalated its actions over the past three years, allegedly deploying SWAT teams to apprehend pro-life activists.
The former president further asserted that the FBI has been involved in profiling devout Catholics as potential domestic terrorists, even planning to send undercover spies into Catholic churches—a tactic reminiscent of the Soviet era.
In a direct plea to Catholic voters, Trump urged them not to support the Democratic Party or consider voting for Biden.
He claimed that the treatment Catholics are enduring under the current administration is nothing short of shocking.
Trump promised to establish a new federal task force focused on combating anti-Christian bias, emphasizing that it would involve various agencies and departments under the reformed Department of Justice.
The proposed task force, as outlined by Trump, aims to investigate all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution of Christians in America.
Additionally, it would scrutinize the use of taxpayer dollars to promote what Trump characterized as “anti-Christian bigotry.”
The former president specified that among its initiatives, the task force would review past Department of Justice persecutions and prosecutions for evidence of anti-Christian prejudice.
It would also examine government agencies, universities, and major corporations that have adopted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs deemed anti-Christian.
Trump’s allegations seem to be linked to a leaked FBI memo that conservative media reported on, citing concerns about “radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology.”
The memo, disclosed in April 2023 by Axios, suggested developing sources in local parishes to identify far-right activists and potential threats of domestic violence.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) voiced concern about the memo, claiming the FBI sought to use local religious organizations as new avenues for gathering information.
He subpoenaed additional information from the FBI to delve deeper into the matter.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, responding to the controversy, described the leaked memo as “appalling” during his testimony before the U.S. Senate.
The memo had raised questions about the methods employed by law enforcement agencies and the potential infringement on religious freedom.
As these accusations unfold, the nation awaits further developments on the alleged persecution of Catholics and Christians under the Biden administration.
The claims made by Trump have ignited a political firestorm, prompting calls for transparency and accountability in the actions of law enforcement agencies.
The debate surrounding religious freedom, government overreach, and the balance between security measures and individual rights remains at the forefront of this evolving narrative.
