President Donald Trump has launched “America Reads the Bible,” a week-long national initiative focused on scripture reading. The initiative was announced during a meeting of his administration’s Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. on Monday.

America Reads the Bible Initiative

During his keynote address, President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to faith-based policies and launched a critique of former President Joe Biden. The “America Reads the Bible” observance aims to refocus national conversation on the country’s spiritual foundations.

High-Profile Participants

The President is scheduled to deliver a prerecorded reading from the Oval Office. He will be joined by 500 prominent figures, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Joni Ernst, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The selected scripture emphasizes humility, prayer, and national healing.

Ideological Clash with the Vatican

This spiritual focus occurs amidst a public and highly publicized ideological clash with Pope Leo XIV. President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Pope’s positions on international security and domestic governance.

Criticisms of the Pope

Specifically, President Trump criticized the Pope’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the Vatican’s opposition to military actions in Venezuela. He asserted his administration is fulfilling the electorate’s mandate, dismissing the Pope’s criticisms as politically motivated. The President also questioned the legitimacy of the recent papal election, suggesting it was a strategic move to influence U.S. politics.

Domestic Incidents

While addressing these high-level matters, the administration is also responding to several domestic incidents. Emergency crews in York County are battling a residential fire complicated by severe hoarding conditions.

Tragedies and Investigations

A traffic stop on the I-85 corridor in South Carolina escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in the death of a Harrisburg native and leaving an Anderson County deputy in critical condition. Law enforcement in Pennsylvania is investigating a hit-and-run involving an 11-year-old and a separate incident where a pedestrian was seriously injured by an e-bike rider.

The administration is also looking ahead to the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event in June, to be held at a venue designed with massive intersecting arches.