President Donald Trump on Monday reportedly raised concerns about religious liberty abroad, pointedly asking South Korean President Lee Jae Myung whether his government has been involved in raiding churches.
The exchange occurred during a White House meeting between the two leaders, where Trump directly addressed reports that church closures and raids had taken place in South Korea.
“I heard from Intel that there was a raid on Churches,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question. “We’re going to talk about that later — I haven’t spoken about it yet — but will we meet and, you know, that would be too bad if that’s the case. But I did hear that from intel that there was a raid on churches, closing some churches, so we’ll talk about that later.”
Turning immediately to President Lee, Trump asked him to clarify the situation. With the assistance of an interpreter, Lee insisted that the allegations were overstated. He said his government was only conducting a “fact-finding investigation” into the matter.
The reports that prompted Trump’s questioning stem from actions taken earlier this summer, according to Reuters. South Korean authorities raided a church in July that was linked to a preacher aligned with former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted last December after declaring martial law.
The preacher had been known for leading pro-Yoon demonstrations, sparking accusations that the raid was politically motivated.
For Trump, the issue carried broader significance. Religious freedom, long a centerpiece of his political message, has been a recurring theme of his presidency and reelection campaign.
His decision to confront a key U.S. ally over the matter underscores his willingness to raise uncomfortable questions when basic freedoms may be at stake.
“I did hear that from intel,” Trump repeated, emphasizing his concern that faith communities might be targeted. “That would be too bad if that’s the case.”
Lee’s careful phrasing — describing the government’s actions as a “fact-finding investigation” — highlighted the sensitivities surrounding the issue in Seoul.
With the ouster of Yoon Suk Yeol still casting a shadow over South Korean politics, the raids have become a flashpoint in the country’s domestic struggles.
Trump’s remarks, however, reframed them in terms of universal values: the right to worship freely and without government interference.
The episode reflects the ongoing tension between national governments that justify certain actions as matters of law enforcement or national security, and advocates who see those same actions as infringements on fundamental freedoms.
For conservatives in the United States, the idea that churches in South Korea — one of America’s closest allies — may have been raided raises alarms about the creeping influence of political retribution at the expense of faith communities.
By putting the question directly to President Lee, Trump signaled that his administration views the protection of churches and religious liberty as not just a domestic issue but an international one.
Whether Lee’s assurances will satisfy critics remains uncertain, but Trump made clear that he intends to pursue the matter further.
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