White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted on Monday that the United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values, sparking a nationwide debate. The comments were made during a scheduled press briefing on March 30, 2026, as President Donald Trump's administration navigates a conflict in the Middle East.
Leavitt’s remarks came in response to a reporter's question regarding recent statements from Pope Leo XIV. On Sunday, the Pope suggested that God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war," a comment widely seen as a critique of Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
Defending the administration's stance, Leavitt stated that there is "nothing wrong" with leaders calling on Americans to pray for service members. She emphasized that the nation was founded "almost 250 years ago on Judeo-Christian values" and noted a long tradition of leaders turning to faith.
The video clip of Leavitt’s exchange spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering millions of views within hours. While supporters praised the Secretary for affirming heritage, critics argued the comments overlooked the secular framework of the U.S. Constitution.
Legal scholars have weighed in on the viral moment, with some pointing to the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause as evidence of a secular founding. Others argued that the moral underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence align with the Press Secretary's assessment.
The briefing occurred on day 30 of the Iran conflict, with Leavitt confirming that military operations are moving ahead successfully. President Trump has frequently invoked themes of national heritage during his current term, often contrasting his administration's values with those of international critics.
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, the discourse surrounding Leavitt’s comments reflects a broader cultural struggle over the American experiment. The briefing concluded with updates on energy policy, but the social media focus remains on the intersection of faith and the state.