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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - MARCH 5, 2025
In this week's Intersect, read about:
Top 5 Moments from Trump's Address to Joint Session of Congress
“President Donald Trump addressed both chambers of Congress Tuesday evening in an expansive speech that lasted more than 90 minutes, as he took a victory lap for his accomplishments thus far and previewed his vision for the future. The speech marked Trump's first address before Congress since he reclaimed the Oval Office in January. Though similar to a State of the Union Speech, Trump's address did not carry the same official title as he has not been in office a full year.” Read more at Fox News.
THINK.
- President Trump began his address with three powerful words: “America is back.” He then proceeded to celebrate the successes of his first month and a half in office—declaring a state of emergency at the southern border, establishing English as the official language of the United States, ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies, and prohibiting men from participating in women’s sports.
- The President invited several guests to attend his address, including members of Corey Comperatore’s family—the man tragically killed at President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania; Payton McNabb—a high school athlete injured by a transgender competitor during a tournament; members of Laken Riley’s family—a young nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant while jogging on her college campus; and Alexis Nungary—a mother whose teenage daughter was murdered by an illegal immigrant in Houston, Texas.
- The Democrats did not share the Republicans’ enthusiasm for President Trump’s speech. At the beginning, Congressman Al Green of Texas was escorted out after repeatedly interrupting despite Speaker Johnson’s requests for order. Many Democratic women in attendance wore pink to symbolize their support for women’s rights—an ironic gesture considering that none of them voted to protect women from biological men just a day earlier. Other members of Congress walked out or held up signs saying things like “Musk Steals” and “Save Medicaid.”
- Regardless of one’s opinion of the President, the energy during President Trump’s address was undeniably a sharp contrast to President Biden’s last State of the Union. The speech conveyed a sense of hope and optimism for the country’s future. But only time will tell if that sentiment defines President Trump’s term.
PRAY.
With so much unfolding in our nation and around the world, take a moment today to pray for our nation’s leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and clarity. Pray that those who do not yet know Jesus would come to recognize Him as Lord, and that they would prioritize peace, security, and responsible leadership.
ACT.
If you missed President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress, you may watch the full speech here.
Trump Administration Pauses U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine
“The Trump administration has paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine, the White House confirmed Monday. It's the latest fallout days after a contentious meeting between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House erupted into an open dispute in front of TV cameras.” Read more at CBS News.
THINK.
- Last Friday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy walked into the White House prepared, by all accounts, to sign a critical minerals deal with the United States. This deal would have allowed the United States to recoup some of the money it has given to Ukraine since the start of the war with Russia. Additionally, the deal would have given the United States a vested interest in the security of Ukraine’s land and people.
- Lots has happened since the fiery exchange in the Oval Office between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelenskyy. On his way back to Ukraine, Zelenskyy stopped in Europe where he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who—along with French President Emmanuel Macron—advocated for European nations to increase their monetary support for Ukraine. At the same time, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused U.S offensive cyber operations against Russia to get Russia to participate in peace talks.
- Earlier this week, President Zelenskyy declared that the end of the war is “very, very far away,” prompting many to doubt President Zelenskyy’s desire to engage in peace talks. Responding to Zelenskyy’s comments, President Trump posted the following statement on Truth Social: “This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer! It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S. – Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?”
PRAY.
Lord, we pray for a prompt, peaceful conclusion to this war between Ukraine and Russia, that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of soldiers and civilians. Please give President Trump—and all those involved in the negotiations—wisdom, patience, and discernment. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ACT.
Misinformation has been rampant—not just about last week’s Oval Office exchange, but also about the peace talks as a whole. That is why it is more important than ever to approach the news with discernment. My Faith Votes, a ministry of Million Voices, has created a valuable resource to help you do just that. Download it here, and be sure to share it with friends and family!
‘Americans Witnessed Something Extraordinary’: Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting Begins with Prayer
“On Wednesday, President Donald Trump held the first cabinet meeting of his second term. To start off the momentous occasion, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner delivered a prayer that’s got conversation buzzing.” Read more at The Washington Stand.
THINK.
- Humility and gratitude were consistent themes throughout Secretary Turner’s prayer. He opened by acknowledging God’s hand in placing each leader in their role, saying, “Thank you, God, for President Trump … [and] for anointing us to do this job.” Later, he sought God’s guidance, praying, “Lord God, we pray that we would lead with a righteous clarity. As we serve the people of this country in every prospective agency, every job that we have, Father, we would humble ourselves before You, and we would lead in a manner that You’ve called us to lead and to serve.”
- After the cabinet meeting, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard described a “high level of energy” in their discussions. She also told Fox News that many cabinet members have been longtime friends, making this group uniquely close. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins added that several members have even started a Bible study together.
- President Trump’s executive cabinet handles crucial matters, from national security and welfare programs to the education of our children. This was not just an ordinary meeting that opened in prayer—it was a discussion about your future, our nation’s future. And the leaders at the table were actively seeking God’s wisdom and direction in their decisions. What a powerful moment!
PRAY.
Lord, thank You that this first cabinet meeting began in reverent prayer. Thank You for leaders who honor You and uphold Your principles. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACT.
Every Monday, our grassroots army of volunteers (Action Partners) meet to pray over our nation, our communities, and our leaders. Want to join them? Sign up here.
Trump Administration Creates Undocumented Immigrant Registry
“The Trump administration created a registry for undocumented immigrants. It will require migrants in the country illegally to submit their personal information or face fines or prison time.” Read more at Straight Arrow News.
THINK.
- As the Trump administration continues its efforts to curb illegal immigration and address those who entered unlawfully under the previous administration, they are implementing an online registry for all undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older who have been in the United States 30 days or more. Per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website, “It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered children who turn 14 years old) in the United States to comply with these requirements. Failure to comply will result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution and the payment of fines.”
- “President Trump and Secretary [Kristi] Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” one Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said. “We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans,” the spokesperson continued.
- Human rights and immigration groups were quick to voice their opposition to the registry. Heidi Altman, Vice President of Policy at the National Immigration Law Center said, “Historically, we know that we have to sit up and pay attention anytime a government says it's going to set up a registry on the basis of national origin or race or religion or any other immutable characteristic, because dramatic losses of civil liberties and civil rights are sure to follow and potentially worse.” But are these critics overlooking a key fact? Illegal immigrants broke the law by bypassing approved ports of entry. Every other crime is documented in some form of registry—so why should illegal immigration be treated any differently?
PRAY.
Immigration is a complex issue. As the Trump administration and other elected officials develop and execute a strategy, ask God to give them wisdom and clarity. Also, ask God to protect and equip all the law enforcement agents involved.
ACT.
A critical race is underway in the historic battleground state of Wisconsin. Two candidates are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court—a position that will shape decisions on redistricting, election integrity, and the future of local, state, and federal elections for years to come. You can help ensure that every freedom-loving Wisconsinite turns out to vote in this nationally significant election. Learn more here.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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