Donald Trump and fellow Republicans assailed President Joe Biden on Saturday for what they called an assault on Christianity, after the US leader highlighted the Transgender Day of Visibility that this year coincides with Easter.
It was the latest skirmish in the culture war shaping the White House race, as Trump seeks support from religious conservatives while Biden stakes his claim as the standard-bearer for an inclusive America.
Biden on Friday issued a proclamation recognising Transgender Day of Visibility, falling every year on March 31, which this time is also Easter Sunday.
In a statement slamming Biden's «blasphemous» declaration, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the move was part of «the Biden Administration's years-long assault on the Christian faith.»
«We call on Joe Biden's failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ.»
Republican House speaker Mike Johnson said on X it was «outrageous and abhorrent» to proclaim «Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day.'» «The American people are taking note,» he added.
The White House snapped back with a statement pointing out that Biden, a devout Catholic, «stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.»