Courageously, a Lutheran pastor in Minnesota boldly confronted Donald Trump’s choice of words toward human beings, suggesting that the former president should feel ashamed for speaking that way. In a video posted on TikTok, the Lutheran began, I want to really, really be clear. This hateful rhetoric is a direct violation of the Christian faith,” while the crowd repeatedly responded with “amen,” as though he were offering a prayer.
The man continued, emphasizing that all people are created in the image of God and that “Jesus commands us to love our neighbors.” He then declared, calling out Trump directly, “No human being is garbage, Mr President.” He added, “And shame on you for saying so,” rebuking what he described as hateful words spoken in God’s name. The Lutheran expressed how angry and disturbed he was at the current administration for encouraging racism, noting that it “leads to violence and injustice.” He explained that he was speaking not just for himself but for many others who felt the same way.
The caption of the video identified the man as Rev. Paul Graham of St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church. In the comments section, viewers overwhelmingly agreed with his bold stance. “Why are we not hearing this from EVERY pastor EVERY day ALL the time?” one person asked, calling out other pastors. Another appealed directly to spiritual leaders, writing, “All faith leaders should be speaking out against this rhetoric.”
Someone else shared what they called an unbalanced equation: “Division and hate will never lead to love. Jesus = LOVE.” Another commenter wrote, “True Christianity is helping those who voted against the own best interests.💙💙💙”. “The ground is level at the foot of the Cross!!!” a user added firmly. One person thanked the pastor, saying, “Thank you, sir, for your strong message. Love is action. I wish more religious leaders like yourself would speak out also.” Another added, “Thank you! As a Christian, my heart hurts to see the church, not only silent but complicit with what is happening in this country and crimes committed against minorities!”
A more forceful response came from someone calling out certain churches:
“We need more of this. Too many so-called Christian churches stand behind the moral collapse of people here in America. Funny how the ‘evangelicals’ seem to be the big supporters of the disgusting agenda of this administration, and the only explanation is grift!!! Wake up.”
The public frustration didn’t come from nowhere. As reported by ABC News, last week, Trump ended his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday by criticizing Somali immigrants, whom he described as “garbage,” saying he did not want them in the United States.
“You know, our country’s at a tipping point. We could go bad. We’re at a tipping point. I don’t know if people mind me saying that, but I’m saying it,” Trump said. “We could go one way or the other, and we’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.” He said this in reference to Somali immigrants.
Trump’s remarks about the American Somali community sharply contrast with the previous year, when he campaigned for reelection and gained support from them.
