Ted Lieu says he’s praying for Trump after National Prayer Breakfast comments

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) said Thursday he is praying for President Trump after the president’s dismissive remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast about those who say exactly that.

The California Democrat was responding to the president’s remarks directed at Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), criticizing both for invoking their religion during the impeachment proceedings. 

“Your remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast were petty, small and godless,” Lieu tweeted. “I will pray for you.”

Dear @realDonaldTrump: Your remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast were petty, small and godless. I will pray for you. https://t.co/V31SDsrxtA

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) February 6, 2020

The president brought up the impeachment trial during the breakfast, which is traditionally known for focusing on bipartisanship, commending Republican lawmakers for having the “wisdom, fortitude and strength” to vote to acquit him. 

“I don’t like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong,” he said Thursday morning. “Nor do I like people who say ‘I pray for you’ when they know that’s not so.”

President Trump: “I don’t like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say ‘I pray for you’ when they know that that’s not so. So many people have been hurt and we can’t let that go on.”#NationalPrayerBreakfast pic.twitter.com/79XCLpD7GP

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 6, 2020

The Senate acquitted Trump mostly along party lines Wednesday after months of the impeachment process dominating Washington.

Romney voted to convict Trump on abuse of power but not obstruction of Congress. He was the only Republican senator who voted to convict the president, citing his religion. 

“I am a profoundly religious person. I take an oath before God as enormously consequential,” he said when announcing his vote.

The Utah senator has faced massive backlash from his party because of his decision, including from the president himself.

Pelosi has repeatedly said she prays for Trump and his family, a claim Trump has also dismissed in the past.