President Donald Trump met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, in the Oval Office at approximately 2:00 PM ET on September 15th, 2025. The meeting, which was closed to the press, focused on global humanitarian concerns, religious diplomacy, and fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Orthodox communities. Patriarch Bartholomew is known for his advocacy on environmental issues, religious freedom, and interfaith dialogue. Earlier in the day, Vice President JD Vance shared a message with the American people, reciting Psalm 133 and emphasizing the need for truth and unity, stating "Oh, how badly have I craved that precious ointment in recent days, and I believe we can have it—but first, first, we must tell the truth." This message comes amid ongoing national divisions and discussions surrounding the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Commentary on the Charlie Kirk assassination from Geraldo Rivera suggested that the accused killer, Tyler Robinson, may have been motivated by fantasy role-play games like Halo rather than political discord. Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) continues its ad campaign targeting 25 vulnerable House Democrats, holding them responsible for a potential government shutdown over the upcoming budget vote. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene reiterated her stance on the budget, criticizing it for funding "TRANSGENDER POLICIES, NOT our own Trump policy budget."
