Senator Ted Cruz has endorsed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy‘s initiative to reinstate a historic painting of Jesus at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which was previously relocated to a basement under the Biden administration. The artwork, titled “Christ on the Water,” depicts Jesus aiding sailors during World War II and was removed following a complaint from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation.
In a letter to Secretary Duffy, Cruz emphasized the painting’s significance, stating that its restoration is vital for preserving America’s religious and military heritage. He criticized the prior removal as lacking legal justification and indicative of hostility toward religion.
Secretary Duffy’s call to “bring Jesus up from the basement” received a standing ovation from midshipmen at the academy. He has since displayed a replica of the painting in his office while efforts are made to return the original to its prominent location.
The painting, created in 1944 by Coast Guard veteran Hunter Wood, had been a fixture at the academy until its removal in 2023. Its displacement sparked debates over religious expression in public institutions.
Cruz’s support underscores ongoing discussions about the role of religious symbols in government settings and the importance of honoring historical traditions.
