Full Breakdown
Franklin Graham's Easter Sermon on 60 Minutes Sparks Controversy
4/6/2026, 8:42:22 AM
Franklin Graham's Message on Faith
On Easter Sunday, evangelist Franklin Graham delivered a sermon on CBS's *60 Minutes*, emphasizing the significance of "faith in God" as a foundational value in American society. Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, asserted that during times of disaster, people historically turned to the church rather than government agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has seen funding cuts under the Trump administration. He stated, “It’s people of faith who have been the bedrock, the driving force behind our nation,” highlighting the role of religious institutions in providing support during crises.
Reactions to Graham's Appearance
Graham's appearance on *60 Minutes* drew significant backlash online, particularly due to his controversial views on LGBTQ issues and Islam, which some critics labeled as discriminatory. Detractors expressed disappointment over CBS's decision to feature Graham, with one user commenting that it demonstrated a decline in the network's standards since the leadership changes under David Ellison and Bari Weiss. Critics have noted that Graham's platforming reflects a broader shift in editorial direction at CBS, with reports indicating that Weiss aims to make *60 Minutes* more aligned with conservative viewpoints.
Trump's Provocative Easter Message
Coinciding with Graham's sermon, Donald Trump made headlines with a provocative post on his social media platform, Truth Social. In a profanity-laden message, Trump threatened military action against Iran, which included a reference to the Arabic word for God. This outburst led to renewed calls for invoking the 25th Amendment against him, with former communications director Anthony Scaramucci among those expressing concern. Notably, Trump did not attend Easter services, contrasting with Graham's participation in a White House prayer service the previous year.
Graham's Support for Trump
Franklin Graham has been a vocal supporter of Trump, previously urging for his reelection and referring to him as a "peacemaker." During a recent Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) event, Graham expressed his belief that Trump is a unique leader, stating, “We’ll never get another president like Donald Trump!” However, he later retracted this statement, claiming he "misspoke." On Easter Sunday, Trump shared a letter from Graham that reassured him of his place in heaven, further solidifying their alliance.
Criticism & Opposition
The backlash against Graham's sermon and Trump's concurrent statements reflects a growing concern among some segments of the public regarding the intertwining of religion and politics. Critics argue that featuring Graham on a prominent platform like *60 Minutes* undermines journalistic integrity and promotes divisive rhetoric. The implications of this event extend beyond media representation, raising questions about the role of faith in public life and the responsibilities of media outlets in presenting diverse viewpoints.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s people of faith who have been the bedrock, the driving force behind our nation and in years past, where did people turn after a disaster, not FEMA, not to the government, it was the church that took them and fed them and gave them shelter, clothed them,” — Franklin Graham
- “To give this man prime airtime only shows how low CBS has fallen since being taken over by David Ellison and Bari Weiss,” — Critic on social media
- “We’ll never get another president like Donald Trump!” — Franklin Graham
This Easter Sunday marked a significant moment in the intersection of faith and politics, as Franklin Graham's message and Donald Trump's actions ignited discussions about the influence of religious figures in contemporary political discourse.
