The Lead with Jake Tapper Pope Leo: “Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion”
Apr 17, 2026
John Fozzie Miller, retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and former CENTCOM commander, offers military perspective on Middle East tensions. He discusses Iran ceasefire dynamics, Hezbollah’s role, and NATO’s strategic responses. Short, sharp takes on troop posture, verification challenges, and what military readiness means for U.S. credibility.
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Pope Rebukes Religious Justification For War
- The Pope condemned leaders who manipulate religion to justify war, framing such manipulation as dragging the sacred into filth.
- Jake Tapper contrasted that with U.S. officials using religious rhetoric (e.g., Pete Hegseth's prayer calling for "overwhelming violence"), highlighting a clash over religion's role in policy.
Religious Rhetoric Used To Dismiss Media Criticism
- Pete Hegseth likened journalists skeptical of the administration to Pharisees, implying criticism equals disbelief in 'miracles' of the military.
- Jake Tapper argued skepticism targets leaders' claims, not the troops, and called the analogy sacrilegious.
Tragic Domestic Shooting Involving Former Lt Governor
- Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, then himself, amid a messy divorce; their teen son called 911.
- Court documents had ordered Fairfax to vacate the home in two weeks and noted his declining mental state and alcohol abuse.