Jentezen Franklin Hopes for Accountability
Among the many Christian leaders who condemned Trump’s Truth Social post was Jentezen Franklin, who serves as senior pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, Georgia.
Franklin was among those in 2025 named to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, the purpose of which is to “offer diverse perspectives on how the Federal Government can defend religious liberty for all Americans,” according to an executive order establishing the RLC.
The order said, “The Commission shall advise the White House Faith Office and the Domestic Policy Council on religious liberty policies of the United States.”
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“All of us in leadership know that we are held accountable and responsible for subordinates’ actions done in our name,” Franklin said in his comments about Trump’s Truth Social post. “Thankfully, according to the White House the President took action and had the post removed. I hope we will see accountability for those responsible.”
“IF it was a mistake, name the person, fire them, and then SAY it was wrong and IS wrong,” said Pastor John Gray of Love Story Church in South Carolina, commenting on Franklin’s post. “Thats [sic] what leadership is. Passing the buck to a subordinate will not suffice.”
In a post of his own responding to the incident, Gray said, “I’m so angry that I actually can’t yell.” Gray challenged white evangelicals who have said Trump was chosen by God for his role and also challenged white pastors with Black congregants to address Trump’s post with their congregations.
It is not clear whether Franklin made his comments before or after Trump answered reporters’ questions on Air Force One.
Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, addressed the Truth Social post on Feb. 10 via World Magazine, saying Trump’s post “is the latest evidence of a White House losing dignity.” Mohler also made similar remarks on his show “The Briefing.”
“This is one of those situations in which what we need is a very comprehensive statement of presidential dignity.”
From yesterday’s edition of The Briefing. You can watch it in full at the link: https://t.co/iB0oG54z4W pic.twitter.com/tuwPvtUvem
— Albert Mohler (@albertmohler) February 10, 2026
“I am thankful for much of what President Trump has accomplished, and I want him to succeed in reaching his stated aims,” Mohler said. “But this is precisely why this must be said: Mr. President—does it not trouble you to know that undermining your own dignity simultaneously undermines your own authority? Even your efficiency?”
“Your most ardent supporters recognize that those images—drawing on grotesque racial tropes—were a profound mistake, no matter how they came to be posted,” Mohler said. “Efficiency in the White House cannot long survive the loss of dignity.”
