Trump

Jun 18 2026

Nate Bargatze Does Not Owe Anyone an Apology

Comedian Nate Bargatze is under fire for attending this past Saturday’s “UFC Freedom 250” – the seven-bout ultimate fighting spectacle at the White House.

The controversial event emerged out of a long-time friendship between President Donald Trump and UFC founder Dana White.

Held on the White House lawn under what’s called “The Claw,” the octagon stage was surrounded by between 4,000 and 5,000 attendees, including the Nashville comic. After an image of the family-friendly Bargatze at the event was shared on social media, numerous individuals purporting to be fans of Nate took to various platforms to denounce his presence.

The visceral reaction didn’t have to do with Bargatze being a fan of the UFC, but rather that he would dare attend anything with any connection to President Trump.

The comic was also criticized for taking pictures at the White House with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Speaker Mike Johnson and podcaster Joe Rogan.

In response to the unhinged harassment, a spokesperson for Bargatze said the comedian, “Is not political nor is anything he produces.” They also noted Nate appreciates supporters “from both sides of the aisle.”

While some may question his affinity for the UFC, Nate Bargatze owes neither an apology nor explanation to anyone. The attempt to shame and cancel him is a reckless, irresponsible, and immature response to a raw partisan attack.

The rise of the current cancel culture is an example of a coarsening climate that is increasingly void of a generosity of spirit. Gracious disagreement is quickly becoming a dying virtue.

While the controversy may seem like a new development, public shaming has been a tactic of ideological revolutions and a tool used by people in positions of authority or influence for a very long time. Attempts to ostracize individuals or entire movements date back hundreds or even thousands of years.

Back in 1077, the Roman Emperor Henry IV was sparring with Pope Gregory VII over who had the authority to appoint bishops. The pope grew weary of Henry and excommunicated him from the Catholic Church. The emperor had to publicly plead with Gregory to reconsider, which he eventually did – but not before embarrassing him.

Though a Christian, Nate Bargatze is not a victim of religious intolerance here, but he is nevertheless being caught up in the wake of political intolerance. It’s the same energy and edginess that has attempted to shame Christians who refuse to bend a knee to the spirit of the age.

Radical activists have long attempted to publicly shame Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips. The Colorado baker has repeatedly and consistently refused to use his creative gifts to design cakes for same-sex weddings or other sexually deviant or demonic activities. He’s been called a bigot, and his business has been boycotted.

Hobby Lobby’s David Green has been likewise publicly besmirched, but this time for refusing to cover the cost of abortifacients in the company health plan. Then there was high school football coach Joe Kennedy, who was fired and whom critics mocked for praying publicly.

In all three examples, it took expensive legal battles – and victories at the Supreme Court – to settle and (somewhat) silence the harassers.

According to media reports, Nate Bargatze runs the risk of losing ticket sales to his performances – all because he dared go to a sporting event endorsed by President Trump. He can weather the criticism, but that ideological aggression can’t be ignored because it doesn’t just threaten a comedian – but also Christians. When bullies are tolerated in one sphere, they’re empowered in another.

As America approaches its 250^th birthday, our country is in desperate need of a cultural reset. We pray the Apostle Paul’s words to, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18) will permeate the hostile climate and forge a renewed warmth of spirit.

May 14 2026

In China, We Pray Trump Will Advocate For Jimmy Lai and Other Imprisoned Christians

President Trump’s historic visit to China this week to meet with Xi Jinping has featured colorful pomp and pageantry, including red carpets, brass bands, even cheering and smiling children waving flags.

At a banquet inside China’s Great Hall of the People, the summit also included warm and friendly toasts between the leaders.

“Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” said Xi Jinping.

Having brought along more than a dozen top American CEOs and other corporate executives, Mr. Trump emphasized the longstanding business ties between the nations.

“This bond of commerce and respect stretches back 250 years as the foundation of a future that benefits both our nations,” he said. The president then prepared to raise his glass and concluded: “To the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people – it’s a very special relationship and I want to thank you again.”

By “special,” President Trump is undoubtedly referring to America and China’s economic interdependence. Representing the world’s two largest economies, the United States utilizes and regularly relies on Chinese manufacturers, and the Middle Kingdom sells to American markets and heavily depends on our dollars.

Politically and spiritually speaking, though, the two nations are worlds apart.

While America is a constitutional republic with multiple parties and free elections, China is a one-party socialist republic governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

While Americans enjoy broad religious freedoms, any religious expression in China is heavily regulated and controlled by the state and the CCP. In simple terms, China isn’t shy about arresting people who don’t comply with their onerous rules regarding faith expression, which includes being in a state-controlled registered church.

Back in 2000, a bipartisan United States government commission created what’s called the “Congressional-Executive Commission on China” (CECC) to monitor and keep track of human rights violations in the country. As you can imagine, it’s challenging to maintain these records due to the extreme level of secrecy within communist China. But according to the most recent data, upwards of 3,000 individuals are being held for expressing their basic human rights.

One such individual is Jimmy Lai, a devout believer in Jesus Christ and a firm defender of democracy — a toxic combination for Communist China.

Mr. Lai was born in China, escaped to Hong Kong and started a clothing store that eventually prospered. He then took those proceeds and launched several pro-democracy newspapers and magazines.

Jimmy was eventually arrested in August of 2020 under China’s “National Security Law” — legislation intended to root out pro-democracy agitators and anyone whose behavior was deemed subversive.

Pastor Wang Yi is another Christian on the list. He was arrested for “inciting subversion of state power” at the Early Rain Covenant Church. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.

It’s not clear if President Trump or anyone within the United States delegation has or plans to bring up the plights of either Lai or Wang or the many other Christians being held in Chinese prisons – but we pray they will do so. When asked about Jimmy Lai in a previous interview, President Trump said, “I’m going to do everything I can to save him. We’ll see what we can do.”

Amidst the various pressing issues on the table in China – from the Iran war to Taiwan to companies eager to make trade deals – it’s easy to see why the plight of religious prisoners may not be capturing headlines.

Thankfully, we know the Lord is aware of those believers in China who are being held hostage because of their faith and unwillingness to bend a knee to the CCP. In fact, we also know Jesus anticipated oppression and situations like this would happen. That’s why He said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10, ESV).

We pray for Jimmy Lai, Pastor Yi, and all the Christians being persecuted. We also pray for the boldness of President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that they would find an opening to appeal for greater religious freedom and the release of those currently being held hostage because of their Christian faith.

May 05 2026

President Trump to Students: Get Ready to Run Some Laps!

With the stroke of a black Sharpie pen, President Donald Trump has reinstated the awards associated with the famed Presidential Fitness Test Award.

Created by President Eisenhower in 1956 after research revealed American youth were growing increasingly soft and flabby, the physical test was phased out and replaced with a new program by President Obama that focused on general health.

Those of a certain age likely remember the annual ordeal in the school gymnasium that featured sit-ups, pull-ups, a shuttle run, and then a mile jaunt around the track.

You probably didn’t mind it if you were in shape, but dreaded it if you weren’t, which was the whole point of the tradition.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body – it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity,” stated President John F. Kennedy. “We are not a nation of spectators. We are a nation of participants.”

Surrounded by schoolchildren, as well as professional golfers Gary Player and Bryson DeChambeau, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Amani Oruwariye, and longtime Major League Baseball pitcher Noah Syndergaard, standing behind President Trump was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services and a renowned fitness advocate.

He stated:

“We need to be competitive with each other. We need to teach people how to win and how to lose and how to process victory and defeat.”

He then added:

“We’re now the sickest nation in the world. We’ve gone from five percent of our kids being obese to twenty percent, seventy percent of adults are obese or overweight, and seventy-seven percent of our children cannot qualify for military service. And that should be an eye-opener for all of us, and I’m so grateful to President Trump for his leadership and his vision of reinstituting the physical fitness test.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who also regularly works out, concurred.

“We need young, strong, healthy Americans, whether you serve in the military or any other aspect of your life,” he declared. “And I think this Presidential Fitness Test, Mr. President, is a great, perfect thing to restore—something that sets high standards for young people and gives them something to achieve.”

President Trump, who was a three-sport varsity athlete (football, soccer, and baseball), and now at 79 years of age, is a skilled golfer known for drinking voluminous amounts of Diet Coke, joked about his own exercise regimen.

“I work out so much, like, about one minute a day, max. If I’m lucky,” he declared.

Today’s signing reinstates the presidential awards given to students who reach certain milestones.

Scripture is clear that we’re to treat our bodies well and use it to glorify the Lord (1 Cor. 6:20). The Apostle Paul also states we’re to discipline our body and “keep it under control” (1 Cor. 9:27).

The emphasis on student fitness is part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” commitment.

Following the signing ceremony, President Trump went outside to the White House lawn to oversee students doing pull-ups and sit-ups.

In reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test Award program and incentivizing participation and competition, Mr. Trump and his administration are banking on the belief that more physically fit children will lead to a more disciplined and determined nation. We pray that’s the case.

Apr 28 2026

Sorry, Jimmy Kimmel: It’s Not Funny to Joke About the First Lady as a Widow

Late-night “comedian” Jimmy Kimmel doubled down on his controversial comments from the weekend concerning First Lady Melania Trump, suggesting she was wishing her husband were dead.

In what was spun as a “roast” ahead of the ill-fated White House Correspondent’s Dinner on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, Kimmel stood behind a mock-presidential lectern and delivered what was framed as a fake address.

“Look at Melania, so beautiful,” said the ABC television host. “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

In light of the attempted assassination of President Trump, Kimmel’s comments gained added scrutiny in the aftermath of the attack.

In response, Mrs. Trump called for Kimmel to be fired.

“His monologue about my family isn’t comedy — his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America,” she said. “Enough is enough. It is time for ABC to take a stand.”

President Trump agreed, posting on Truth Social, “Wow, Jimmy Kimmel, who is in no way funny as attested to by his terrible Television Ratings, made a statement on his Show that is really shocking.”

On Monday night, a defiant Kimmel not only refused to apologize, but instead tried to explain away the comments.

“It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he’s almost 80 and she’s younger than I am,” Kimmel explained. “It was not by any stretch a call to assassination…”

That Jimmy Kimmel thinks it’s remotely funny to joke about Mrs. Trump becoming a widow at any age, regardless of why – let alone a welcome one – illustrates and exposes the crassness and poor judgement of someone who purports to be a comedian.

Given that Mr. Trump was previously shot in the ear by a would-be-assassin, and nearly shot while playing golf, and then targeted again on Saturday, you would think that any such reference would be off-limits.

Memo to Jimmy Kimmel: Violence and hate are never funny. Period.

Contrast Kimmel’s comments with how the legendary late-night host Johnny Carson responded to the attempt on President Reagan’s life outside the same hotel.

The Academy Awards had been scheduled for the night of March 30, 1981, but were postponed after the shooting. They decided to go on with the program the next evening, and this is what Carson said:

The president is in excellent condition at last reports. He’s been conducting business.

And he happens to be in very good spirits. After all, you must remember this is a man who yesterday, while he was in the hospital unable to speak, wrote on a sheet of paper, “All things considered, I’d rather be in Philadelphia.” So tonightthe show does go on.

Now two weeks ago, President Reagan videotaped an opening greeting for this occasion. We were in contact with the White House about two hours ago. And it was the president’s express wishes that we use that introduction.

And I might add, you might like to know that he also asked for a television set in his room so he could view this program tonight. Actually, the president was in such good form today, I was very tempted to call him and ask him if he had any more of those one-liners that I could use. So it is especially pleasing tonight, ladies and gentlemen, to be able to say, here is the president of the United States.

Jimmy Kimmel’s professional fate remains unknown, but this one thing is undeniable: If he wants to be funny, he could learn a whole lot from Johnny Carson.

Apr 23 2026

President Trump Paves Way for Fewer Restrictions on Psychedelics

President Trump signed an executive order Saturday to expedite FDA reviews of psychedelic drugs to treat mental health disorders.

The order, titled “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness,” purports to make experimental treatments for disorders like PTSD and depression more accessible to suffering citizens.

Critics note the president’s directive doesn’t just facilitate research — it also creates a pathway for Schedule I psychedelics like LSD and MDMA to be reclassified as less dangerous substances.

The order directs the FDA to enroll drugs it has designated “breakthrough therapies” for PTSD, depression and other mental illnesses in the organization’s National Priority Voucher program.

Drugs in the voucher program, which launched in June 2025, can achieve FDA approval in as little as one month, per the FDA’s website, without compromising “safety, scientific rigor or regulatory compliance requirements.”

The FDA has designated psychedelics including LSD, MDMA and psilocybin — the hallucinogen in “magic mushrooms,” as breakthrough treatments for mental health issues. Under the president’s order, the FDA must put them through the voucher program’s expedited review process.

In addition to accelerated reviews, the executive order:

Directs the FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration to create ways for Americans with serious or life-threatening illnesses to access experimental psychedelic drug treatments, provided they’ve passed the first stage of clinical trials.
Frees up $50 million in Health and Human Services (HHS) funding to research the effect of psychedelic drugs on mental health disorders.
Orders the FDA, HHS, and Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with drug companies to increase veterans’ participation in clinical trials studying psychedelics’ effect on PTSD, depression and other combat-related mental health disorders.
Directs the U.S. attorney general to order the review of any psychedelic approved by the FDA so it can be downgraded from a Schedule I drug, a classification reserved for drugs with no accepted medical uses and a high potential of abuse.

Proponents of the president’s order highlighted the importance of researching the effect of psychedelics on mental health disorders — particularly for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD.

“It’s disturbing to me and to the president that hundreds, in fact, thousands of veterans are having to travel to Mexico or other countries to experiment with interventions that hold great promise,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters Saturday.

Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., the president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, also supports more robust research into potential medical applications of psychedelics. But President Trump’s order, he argued in a statement for the foundation, goes much too far.

“This order elevates politics and hype over sound science,” he wrote. “It implies that risky, unapproved hallucinogens can function as legitimate medical therapies.”

Dr. Sabet called the existing evidence for the benefits of psychedelics “beyond weak” and “rife with conflict and industry connections.”

“When the federal government lends its endorsement to any substance, that signal carries enormous weight,” he continued. “That power cannot and must not be used to legitimize unproven and potentially dangerous substances, particularly under the banner of helping those who have served our country.”

The statement concludes:

[The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions] strongly supports rigorous, evidence-based research into new treatments, but this approach is dangerous and misguided and will put Americans at real risk.

If “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness” loosens legal restrictions on psychedelics, illegal, recreation consumption will almost certainly increase. In that case, it will become the second executive order in six months to compromise the Trump administration’s Great American Recovery Initiative — a coordinated government effort focused on preventing drug addiction, prioritizing treatment and celebrating recovery.

In December, the president signed an executive order opening the door for marijuana to be reclassified to a Schedule III drug, which is reserved for drugs which have “a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

The order expanded access to cannabis, despite decades of evidence showing it effectively treats only three medical conditions — none of which include insomnia, anxiety and pain, increases risk of physical and psychological harm and, perhaps most importantly, causes addiction.

The high-THC content in modern marijuana products make them habit forming. A 2019 study published in The Lancet found people who smoke high-THC marijuana daily are five times as likely to develop a psychotic disorder than those who don’t smoke.

Focus on the Family President Jim Daly wrote to President Trump in December, urging him not to make marijuana easier to obtain.

“It is imperative for our federal government and leaders to continue sending a strong message about the negative impact of marijuana use and addiction,” Daly wrote.

The federal government must take the same stance on psychedelics to carry out the objectives of the Great American Recovery Initiatives.

Expanding access to dangerous, addictive drugs makes preventing addiction and prioritizing treatment a much more difficult task.

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