BY Benjamin ClarkFebruary 20, 2026
2 months ago
BY 
 | February 20, 2026
2 months ago

Democrats Face Backlash for Snubbing Ash Wednesday in Favor of Ramadan, Lunar New Year

The Democrat Party has ignited a firestorm of criticism for failing to acknowledge Ash Wednesday, a sacred day for millions of Christians, while prominently celebrating Islamic and Chinese cultural traditions on social media.

A review by Breitbart News of the party’s Facebook, Instagram, and X profiles revealed no mention of Ash Wednesday, which fell on February 18, despite posts wishing followers a "reflective and peaceful Ramadan" and a "Happy Lunar New Year" to mark the Year of the Horse. This glaring omission has struck a nerve, exposing a troubling pattern of selective cultural recognition that many see as a direct slight to Christian values.

The backlash was swift. One social media user vented frustration on X, declaring, "Still waiting on that Ash Wednesday post. Heathens." Another user jabbed at the party’s Lunar New Year message, quipping, "Yes, don’t forget your masters in the CCP." These raw reactions capture a growing sentiment among many Americans who feel their faith is being sidelined by a political elite obsessed with signaling inclusivity, but only for certain groups.

The Weight of Ash Wednesday

For Christians across the United States and beyond, Ash Wednesday marks the solemn beginning of Lent, 40 days of prayer, fasting, and reflection mirroring Jesus Christ’s time of temptation in the desert. As the Museum of the Bible notes, while historically observed by Catholics, many Protestants now join in this tradition of receiving ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a sign of penance and faith.

President Donald Trump, in a powerful proclamation on Ash Wednesday, underscored its profound significance. He honored the millions of Christians who observe this day and connected their practices to the very foundation of America’s identity.

"Every Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a visible reminder of our belonging to Jesus Christ and our enduring need for penance. For the next 40 days, in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the desert, followers of Christ will pray, fast, and give alms to deepen their faith, reflect on His redeeming Passion and death, and prepare their hearts for the coming Easter miracle. As the holy season of Lent begins, we are reminded that the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have been foundational to our strength from the earliest days of our national story."

Trump’s words stand in stark contrast to the Democratic Party’s silence. His recognition of Christianity’s role in shaping America’s heritage, from the colonists’ prayers during the Revolutionary War to the compassion of modern faith-based institutions, highlights what many feel is missing from the left’s public posture.

Local Leaders Echo the Discontent

The frustration isn’t limited to social media users or national figures. Local leaders have also called out the disparity in recognition. In Louisville, Kentucky, Councilman Anthony Piagentini challenged the decision to illuminate a bridge in honor of Ramadan while ignoring Ash Wednesday. He pressed the point with piercing clarity.

"Great. When are we lighting it up for Ash Wednesday? You know, the kickoff to the holiest time of year for the largest religious population in Louisville?"

Similarly, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for a post about Ramadan that many deemed insufficient, and for politicizing Ash Wednesday in a way that rang hollow to observers. While the specific critiques remain unclear in the source material, the incident further fuels the perception that Democrat leaders are quick to champion certain traditions while neglecting others that hold deep meaning for a significant portion of their constituents.

A Pattern of Selective Celebration

Zooming out, this isn’t an isolated oversight. The Democrat Party’s social media choices reflect a broader trend of prioritizing narratives that align with progressive talking points over the values held by millions of everyday Americans. Ramadan and Lunar New Year posts, while not inherently objectionable, become lightning rods when they stand alone, unaccompanied by any nod to Christian observances like Ash Wednesday or Lent. The message received is unmistakable: some faiths and cultures merit public affirmation, while others can be quietly ignored.

This selective approach betrays a contradiction at the heart of the left’s rhetoric. They preach inclusivity as a sacred tenet, yet their actions often exclude the very communities that form the moral and historical backbone of this nation. If diversity is the goal, why does it so often seem to skip over Christianity, the faith of a majority of Americans? The silence speaks louder than any press release.

What This Means for America

The fallout from this controversy isn’t just about hurt feelings. It’s about the erosion of a shared cultural fabric. When political leaders fail to acknowledge the traditions that have shaped our national character, they risk alienating vast swaths of the population who see their beliefs dismissed as irrelevant. This isn’t inclusivity; it’s division dressed up as progress.

For now, no official response from the Democratic Party has addressed the criticism. No apology has surfaced. No belated Ash Wednesday post has appeared. The void remains, and with it, a growing distrust among those who feel their faith is being pushed to the margins.

A Call to Remember

At its core, this story is about more than a missed social media post. It’s about the human need for recognition, for leaders to see and honor the beliefs that guide our lives. Christians marking Ash Wednesday aren’t asking for special treatment; they’re asking not to be forgotten. In a nation built on the prayers and sacrifices of the faithful, that shouldn’t be too much to expect.

Written by: Benjamin Clark
Benjamin Clark delivers clear, concise reporting on today’s biggest political stories.

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