President Joe Biden faced severe criticism over his official White House proclamation. In his speech, the President designated March 31 as “Transgender Day of Visibility,” which coincided with Easter this year. Therefore, the White House proclamation sparked controversy, given the religious significance of Easter Sunday.
Following the proclamation, many, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, criticized Biden. Johnson condemned the action, labeling it “outrageous” and a betrayal of Easter’s central significance. However, on Monday, April 1, 2024, Biden retracted his statement the following day.
The President said he “didn’t do that” when asked about his official White House proclamation on March 31. In an exchange with reporters at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, Biden declined responsibility for the declaration. Reporters asked about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s, R-La., criticism of the action.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Johnson wrote that the White House “betrayed the central tenet of Easter.” The speaker also added that the proclamation was “outrageous and abhorrent.” Responding to the query, Biden distanced himself from the decision of proclamation, saying, “I didn’t do that.”
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When pressed further by Owen Jensen, a White House correspondent, Biden reiterated, “I didn’t do that,” adding that Speaker Johnson was “thoroughly uninformed.” In a statement, a spokesperson for the White House downplayed the President’s comments.
The spokesperson noted that Biden didn’t choose March 31 as the date for Transgender Day of Visibility. According to reports, since Biden took office, the White House has issued the same proclamation on March 31 yearly. “President Biden is right. He did nothing in conflict with the ‘tenets’ of Easter, which he celebrated yesterday,” Andrew Bates said.
“Nor did he choose the date of March 31 for Transgender Day of Visibility, which has been set since 2009.” However, the clash continued on social media, and Johnson fired back at the President after his remarks.
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He posted a screenshot of the proclamation. Similarly, other social media users condemned Biden. “Hey [Biden,]” Robby Starbuck, an American music video director, tweeted. “You not only ‘did that,’ as you can see in the White House news announcement below, but you posted it right here on Twitter.”
“As if what you did wasn’t bad enough,” Starbuck continued. “Now you’re gaslighting America. You’re insane, incompetent, evil, or maybe all 3.” Despite the uproar, the White House stood by its proclamation, highlighting the importance of visibility for the transgender community.
In addition to the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation, the White House issued other proclamations. These include Cesar Chavez Day, National Donate Life Month, and National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.
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Also, the White House proclaimed Arab American Heritage Month and Care Workers Recognition Month. However, the timing of the Transgender Day of Visibility proclamation fueled widespread Christian outrage.
As a result, many characterized its timing with Easter as disrespectful. “What a slap in the face to all Christians in America…” conservative commentator Benny Johnson said in a post. Similarly, Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) condemned Biden’s proclamation.
“This is a direct assault on Christianity. It’s evident the left is determined to undermine our religion,” Harshbarger said. “This isn’t just blatant disregard; it’s intentional.” This isn’t the first time President Biden has come under fire for his stance on LGBTQ+ and abortion issues.
As a “devout Catholic” who regularly attends church, Biden also faced harsh criticism for his pro-choice stance on abortion.
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