A White House Briefing Shapes Jeffress’ Case
Jeffress said he visited the Oval Office soon after fighting with Iran began. He joined Trump and other faith leaders for the discussion. Jeffress reported that Trump warned Iran was weeks from nuclear capability. Trump, he said, believed those weapons could endanger Israel and threaten the United States. That account fueled Jeffress’ support for military action, because he sees prevention as a moral duty.
Trump Attacks the Pope, and Leo Answers Back
Tensions rose after Leo urged prayers for peace during the Iran conflict. Trump responded on Truth Social and called the pontiff weak on crime and poor on foreign policy. He also praised Leo’s brother, Louis Prevost, as “all MAGA.” Leo later told NBC News he would speak the Gospel loudly, but he did not see himself as political. He added that the church does not aim to write foreign policy.
Fallout Reaches Rededicate 250, With Supporters and Detractors Watching
Trump kept pressing the Trump-Pope Iran dispute with new posts. He said he wanted no pope who tolerated an Iranian nuclear weapon. He also criticized Leo’s meeting with David Axelrod and accused him of catering to the “Radical Left.” Leo rejected claims that the Vatican backed Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reiterated opposition to all nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Jeffress prepared to speak at Rededicate 250 on the National Mall, a prayer event tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Supporters say Jeffress defends Israel, backs deterrence, and honors a strong view of state power. Detractors worry the rhetoric weaponizes scripture, inflames diplomacy, and blurs lines between pulpit and presidency.
Pastor Robert Jeffress says Trump knows biblical view of gov’t better than Pope Leo
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