WASHINGTON, D.C. August 29, 2025 – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticized former press secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki on Wednesday for her remarks dismissing the value of prayer in the wake of the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, calling them “incredibly insensitive and disrespectful” to Americans of faith.
During a White House briefing on August 28, Leavitt addressed Psaki’s emotional on-air condemnation of gun violence, where Psaki stated that “prayer is not freaking enough” to address school shootings. Leavitt urged Psaki to pray for the families affected by the incident at Annunciation Catholic School, emphasizing that “prayer works” and remains a crucial response for many in times of tragedy. “It’s disheartening to see someone attack the faith of millions who believe in the power of prayer,” Leavitt said.
Vice President JD Vance echoed Leavitt’s defense, describing Psaki’s comments as a “weird left-wing” assault on religious beliefs. In statements following the shooting, Vance stressed that prayer is not merely symbolic but a heartfelt expression, noting, “Our hearts are broken, and we believe that God is listening.” He called for unity in mourning rather than politicizing faith.
Psaki’s remarks came during a tearful segment on MSNBC, where she linked the Minneapolis attack—which claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others—to broader issues of gun violence in the U.S. She also critiqued President Trump’s policies on crime in Washington, D.C., arguing for more substantive action beyond condolences.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey similarly rejected the notion of “thoughts and prayers,” pointing out the irony that the children were already praying during the Mass when the shooting occurred on August 27. Frey’s comments highlighted growing frustration among local leaders with repeated calls for prayer without accompanying policy changes.
Former President Barack Obama weighed in on the national conversation, urging Americans not to become “numb to mass shootings.” Reflecting on his own administration’s experiences with similar tragedies, Obama called for renewed efforts to address gun violence, mental health, and societal divisions.
The incident at the Catholic school has reignited heated debates across the political spectrum on gun control measures, the role of mental health support, and the appropriateness of faith-based responses to violence. As investigations continue into the shooter’s motives, communities nationwide are grappling with how to prevent future atrocities while honoring the victims through both action and reflection.