Former President Donald Trump has called on President Joe Biden to immediately apologise to millions of Christians and Catholics for declaring March 31 "Transgender Day of Visibility," which this year is also Easter Sunday.
Leavitt said the president's announcement is an example of the Biden administration's "years-long assault on the Christian faith."
"We call on Joe Biden's failing campaign and the 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," she said.
Leavitt said the Biden administration's move comes after the White House banned religious egg designs in its Easter Art Event. The art contest is part of the White House’s Easter traditions, which include the annual Easter Egg Roll.
The flier for the contest states that an Easter egg design submission "must not include any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements."
While March 31 has been designated to honor the transgender movement since Biden took office, this year it falls on Easter Sunday, one of the most important days for Christians, as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives," a statement released by the White House read.
"Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back," it continued. "Now, therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Day of Visibility."
Also, reality star, Caitlyn Jenner, who came out as a trans woman in April 2015 slammed President Biden for celebrating Easter on the same day as a popular transgender holiday.
I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days - a self proclaimed devout Catholic - as Transgender Day of Visibility. The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen’.
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) March 30, 2024
Jenner tweeted on Saturday, “I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days - a self proclaimed devout Catholic - as Transgender Day of Visibility. The only thing you should be declaring on this day is ‘HE is Risen.’”
In another tweet, Jenner said, “Hey there…it’s called Easter Sunday. The Holiest Day in the Christian faith that BILLIONS of people practice worldwide.”
Hey there…it’s called Easter Sunday. The Holiest Day in the Christian faith that BILLIONS of people practice worldwide. https://t.co/AXdFtb6KmG
— Caitlyn Jenner (@Caitlyn_Jenner) March 30, 2024
Trump's call for an apology from Biden came after prominent politicians and conservative commentators declared outrage over the ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ on the most solemn Christian holiday.
"The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ," House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X. Banning sacred truth and tradition—while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day'—is outrageous and abhorrent. The American people are taking note."
Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., wrote on X: "This is the left's new religion. They want people worshiping the trans flag instead of God. They must be stopped."
Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called Biden out on X, formerly Twitter, writing, "Joe Biden just proclaimed that ‘Transgender Visibility Day’ is on Sunday, March 31st. I wonder how he came up with that date."
Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., echoed Ramaswamy's sentiments as he blasted Biden for the "coincidence on the timing."
"Joe Biden has proclaimed Easter Sunday as ‘Transgender Day of Visibility,’" Mooney wrote on X. "What a coincidence on the timing, right? This is a direct assault on Christianity. Yet another attack on religion and traditions by this administration."
Tennessee Republican Rep. Diana Harshbarger said the announcement was "intentional" and slammed it as a "blatant disregard."
"This is a direct assault on Christianity. It’s evident the left is determined to undermine our religion and traditions," she wrote on X. "This isn’t just blatant disregard, it’s intentional."
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson shared a screenshot of the White House statement, writing alongside it, "What a slap in the face to all Christians in America…"
The White House issued a statement saying the criticism over ‘Transgender Day of Visibility’ coinciding with Easter was divisive.
"As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American," read the statement. "Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit."