American bishops and priests have had a really tough time in the last few months. They are feeling worn out and upset about the policies from the Trump administration. A Jesuit priest recently said that Trump’s second term has been “psychologically exhausting.” He called on American voters and organizations to come together and stand against Trump.
In an article for Religion News Service, Reverend Thomas J. Reese wrote that Trump is “destroying the United States.”
Reese, who was ordained in 1974, also said Trump has “poisoned our political culture.” He expressed sadness that Trump’s actions have made it almost impossible to have calm discussions about politics, even with friends and neighbors.
Reese talked about how the 79-year-old president has spent time in his office “enriching himself, his family, and his supporters.”
He argued that Trump has “corrupted religion” and that clergy members who aren’t strong enough in their support of the Trump administration may lose their jobs. He also said the President shows “contempt for rules that stop him from doing what he wants.”
Reese warned that Trump’s attacks on big law firms have made lawyers afraid to take certain clients.
They are worried about being targeted by the President. He said Trump has “destroyed the Republican Party” and turned it into his personal “fiefdom” that changes its stance depending on Trump’s mood.
Reese gave several examples of how the GOP became a tool for Trump’s changing mind.
He mentioned how Trump completely changed his position on releasing the Epstein files. He also spoke about how Trump once supported lowering costs but later called high living costs a “hoax.” He pointed out how Trump supported the Second Amendment until a protester was killed with a gun he never used.
Reese wrote, “At first it was for free trade, then for high tariffs.
From being an opponent of Russia, he’s trying to be friendly with Vladimir Putin. The Hyde Amendment used to be a key part of the Republican platform; now it’s something that can be changed.” He added, “The Republican Party no longer has principles. It listens to Trump like a puppy wanting a treat. This has weakened Congress’ ability to check the power of the president.”
The author and journalist warned that the President will someday be remembered as “the worst President ever.
” But he felt the blame shouldn’t be on the administration alone, since most Americans voted for him. He also said that people will “get the government we deserve” if they keep being “uninvolved unless it affects us personally.”
He wrote, “The country must come together to stop Trump’s stupidity and tyranny.
Universities must speak with one voice for academic freedom. Scientists must oppose the use of bad science for political or economic reasons. Law firms must stand up for themselves. All races, ethnic groups, and religions must not let Trump divide us into fighting groups. Christians must believe that we have only one king: Jesus.”
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