Trump and Lawmakers Criticize Olympic Opening Ceremony for Religious Insensitivity
- Former President Donald Trump criticized the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics during an appearance on 'The Ingraham Angle.'
- His comments were prompted by a controversial scene that some critics interpreted as mocking Christianity.
- The backlash against the opening ceremony highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious representation in global events.
Former President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of the recent Olympic Games opening ceremony, labeling it a "disgrace" during an appearance on "The Ingraham Angle." His comments echoed the sentiments of House Speaker Mike Johnson, who condemned a particular scene that he described as a "mockery of the Last Supper." Johnson emphasized that the portrayal was shocking and offensive to Christians globally, asserting that such actions undermine the values of truth and virtue. In response to the backlash, Thomas Jolly, the director of the opening ceremony, clarified that the controversial scene was not inspired by "The Last Supper." Speaking to French media, Jolly explained that the depiction featured Dionysus, the Greek god of celebration and wine, symbolizing the cultural heritage of France. He stressed that his intention was not to mock any religious figures but to create a ceremony that promotes reconciliation and the core values of the Republic: liberty, equality, and fraternity. Trump further stated that if he had any influence over the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, he would ensure that no similar portrayals occur. He reiterated his belief that the representation was inappropriate, despite considering himself open-minded. The controversy surrounding the ceremony highlights ongoing tensions between artistic expression and religious sensitivities in public events.