'Insane cult': Observers aghast as Cabinet member says Trump 'anointed' by God

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the Department of Education will soon release updated guidelines to safeguard “the right to prayer” in public schools.

Speaking before the White House Religious Liberty Commission, Trump reaffirmed his strong religious convictions and criticized how he sees the separation of church and state as being used to marginalize devout students.

He declared, “To have a great nation, you have to have religion,” adding, “I believe that so strongly.”

During the ceremony, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner delivered a prayer.

"Father, we thank you for our president, Donald J. Trump, whom you have anointed and appointed for this time, for such a time as this. Lord, thank you that the president prioritizes prayer," he said.

Turner's prayer led to strong reactions on social media from the president's critics.

Author Jennifer Valent wrote on the social platform X: "This brash taking of the Lord's name in vain by claiming His favorable anointing over a man with an unrepentantly blackened soul will never cease to make me feel physically ill. Nor should it."

The X account @AntiToxicPeople wrote: "What an insane cult. It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so sick. The last line is the best."

Journalist Michael McGough said: "What was that line about God not being mocked?"

Writer Paul Hughes-Cromwick said: "Interesting that the Father would anoint someone who abuses woman, lies with nearly every word, and is fond of bullying people of color. Must have been a slow day for anointing. Oh, and the Antichrist prioritizes prayer? Well, that's news!"

The account @RepublicansAgainstTrump reacted to the video and wrote: "It's a cult."

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