Senator Chuck Grassley has uncovered alarming messages that hint at a troubling trend of anti-Catholic bias within the Biden administration. Recently obtained text messages, highlighted by the Daily Wire, reveal a candid discussion between two prosecutors, Joseph (JP) Cooney and Molly Gaston, who jokingly expressed disdain for Catholic nuns. Their texts from February 2021 notably referenced a photo from the New York Times, featuring religious sisters at the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally, showcasing their traditional attire alongside pro-Trump scarves.
Gaston’s comment, ‘I would like to take a special assignment of finding and prosecuting them,’ reflects a disturbing mindset. Cooney chimed in with, ‘I’m with you,’ and added, ‘Although I’d like to prosecute any nun who still wears the head habit.’ This casual conversation sheds light on a broader strategy within the Department of Justice and the FBI to target not just individuals but a faith community as a whole.
Under President Biden, the DOJ has been accused of weaponizing laws to target specific groups. Notably, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act has been employed as a punitive measure following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. This initiative seems to align with a more extensive effort to suppress viewpoints grounded in religious beliefs, particularly those of traditional Catholics.
Further evidence of this troubling trend surfaced in a memo from the FBI, reported by former special agent Kyle Seraphin. This memo classifies ‘radical traditionalist Catholic ideology’ as a potential source of white supremacy, revealing a chilling characterization of faith practices among those who prefer the Latin Mass. Such categorization echoes sentiments found within the text exchanges between Cooney and Gaston, implying that significant portions of the Catholic community may be under unjust scrutiny.
Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that the FBI has infiltrated Catholic parishes and engaged with clergy to monitor individuals expressing their Christian faith. These actions paint an unsettling image of governmental overreach into the spiritual lives of Americans. The implications of these developments reach far beyond the bounds of the legal system; they touch upon fundamental rights of religious expression and the ability to gather for worship without fear of surveillance and prosecution.
As the investigations continue, the consequences for Cooney and Gaston are noteworthy. Gaston was dismissed by the Trump administration in January 2025, while Cooney, who submitted a controversial proposal in February 2021 to investigate Trump and his associates, is now pursuing a seat in Congress in Virginia. Their careers illustrate the intersection of personal beliefs and professional conduct, raising questions about accountability in the legal system.
The troubling revelations brought forth by Senator Grassley not only illuminate a specific episode but also reflect a broader climate of intolerance towards religious beliefs within certain governmental circles. The implications of this behavior warrant serious reflection on the balance between justice and personal faith, aligning with concerns raised by many Americans about the current administration’s stance on religious liberties. The ongoing scrutiny of faith communities, particularly Catholics, suggests a need for vigilance in defending the principles of freedom that form the bedrock of American society.
"*" indicates required fields
