Donald Trump read a Bible passage from 2 Chronicles 7:14 during a livestreamed event called 'America Reads the Bible', but viewers on social media reported that he struggled to read the verse, slurring his words and stumbling over words like 'statures', 'astonishment', and 'forsook'. The event was organized by Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, according to reports. Some viewers defended Trump, saying he did not struggle or stutter and that his reading was profound.
Trump's recent religious actions have drawn scrutiny. According to major media reports, Trump recently posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, which he claimed was meant to show him as a doctor. He has also attacked Pope Leo, accusing him of being 'soft on crime', according to reports. In past statements, Trump referred to communion as 'my little wine' and 'my little cracker', and he dumped cash on a communion plate during a church visit, according to reports. Trump has said he has never asked God for forgiveness, according to a report.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Trump's history with the Bible includes several notable gaffes. During his 2016 campaign, he was unable to name a single Bible verse, according to reports. He referred to the Bible book 'Second Corinthians' as 'Two Corinthians', according to reports. Additionally, Trump did not place his hand on the Bible during his 2024 inauguration, according to reports.
Christians Engaged, the organization behind the event, has published articles referring to homosexuality and gay marriage as 'abominations', according to reports. The event was part of a broader effort to promote Bible reading. It remains unclear how many people actually watched the livestream, and whether Trump read from a physical Bible or a teleprompter. The specific reaction from evangelical leaders to Trump's reading has not been widely reported, and there was no official White House statement about the event.