Faith
White House Defends Power of Prayer After Tragedy
Faith Facts
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Jen Psaki for dismissing prayer following a tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota.
- Psaki’s public comments questioned the sufficiency of prayer after two children were killed, upsetting millions of believers.
- Leavitt and Vice President J.D. Vance highlighted the importance of faith, prayer, and relying on God during times of national grief.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced former press secretary Jen Psaki’s remarks that seemed to devalue prayer following the attack at Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis. Leavitt emphasized that faith and prayer offer critical comfort to millions of Americans, especially in the aftermath of violence.
“I saw the comments of my predecessor, Ms. Psaki, and frankly, I think they’re incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer,” said Leavitt.
Psaki’s statements on social media sparked strong reaction when she insisted that prayer is not enough to address violence, urging action instead of spiritual support alone. Many Christians, including Vice President J.D. Vance, expressed dismay at the dismissal of spiritual practices that have long anchored families and communities during hardships.
“We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?” wrote Vance.
Leavitt urged the nation to reaffirm the power of prayer and compassion, standing strong in faith, even as secular voices dismiss these vital foundations. Christian values remind all Americans to turn to the Lord for healing and strength, especially when darkness seems overwhelming.
Faith in God remains a central answer in moments of sorrow and confusion, providing hope and purpose beyond what political solutions can offer. Let us honor those lost and uplift our nation through steadfast prayer and Christian unity.