White House doubles down on Biden's Trans Day of Visibility message given on Easter Sunday - saying he will 'never abuse his faith for political purposes' after fierce backlash

The White House has doubled down on honoring Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter after sparking a firestorm of criticism from conservative lawmakers.

On Sunday, White House spokesman Andrew Bates penned a statement addressing the backlash.

'As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,' Bates said.

'Sadly, it's unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.'

March 31 has been designated to honor the transgender movement internationally since 2009. However, this year it coincides with the celebration of Easter.

Bates' remarks followed a statement released by President Joe Biden on Saturday.

'On Transgender Day of Visibility, we honor the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our Nation's commitment to forming a more perfect Union — where all people are created equal and treated equally throughout their lives,' it read.

'Today, we send a message to all transgender Americans: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You belong. You are America, and my entire Administration and I have your back.'

Biden was the first American president to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the event in 2021.

With the celebration falling on Easter during its 15th year, Biden's remarks drew criticism conservatives including former President Donald Trump.

Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt lambasted the proclamation as 'appalling and insulting.'

She asserted that the president's announcement was evidence of the Biden administration's 'years-long assault on the Christian faith.'

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a contender for the Trump vice presidency, lashed out with her own statement on X, formerly Twitter.

'Joe Biden banned 'religious themed' eggs at the White House's Easter Egg design contest for kids, AND he announced that tomorrow is 'National Transgender Visibility Day.' Did he forget that tomorrow is Easter, Resurrection Sunday?' she wrote.

'Joe Biden and his White House have made it clear that people of faith, particularly Christians and our Bible-believing views, have no place in his America.'

Her remarks referenced an invitation from the American Egg Board in regards to the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll.

The invitation called for children from families of the National Guard to submit artwork that would be painted on eggs, but banned 'any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements.'

In response to the criticism, White House Deputy Assistant to the President Elizabeth Alexander asserted that the language in the invitation was standard, with supporters pointing out that similar phrasing was used during the Trump administration as well.

Still, other conservative politicians continued to echo Noem's point, like failed Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

'Joe Biden declaring the most holy day for Christians as 'Transgender Visibility Day' is a slap in the face to every American, whatever their faith,' he wrote on X. 'Now the White House is banning any religious symbolism on Easter Eggs.'

Ramaswamy ended the tweet conceding that he was Hindu, not Christian, but claimed, 'We're in the middle of a war in this country.'

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a devout Christian who previously caught flack for his remarks about gay marriage, called the proclamation 'abhorrent.'

'The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter - which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Banning sacred truth and tradition - while at the same time proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day' - is outrageous and abhorrent,' he professed.

Pastor Raphael Warnock, a Democratic senator from Georgia, slammed Johnson's remarks during an appearance on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

'Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered on the poor. And in a moment like this, we need voices – particularly voices of faith – who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together,' he said.

Pastor Raphael Warnock, a Democratic senator from Georgia, slammed Johnson's remarks during an appearance on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

'Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered on the poor. And in a moment like this, we need voices – particularly voices of faith – who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together,' he said.

Aside from those in the political sphere, some pop culture figures spoke up as well.

Reality star Caitlyn Jenner wrote, 'I am absolutely disgusted that Joe Biden has declared the most Holy of Holy days - a self proclaimed devout Catholic - as Transgender Day of Visibility. The only thing you should be declaring on this day is 'HE is Risen'.'

Jenner came out as transgender in 2015 and underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2017.

The former Olympian attempted to run against California Governor Gavin Newsom in a special election four years later, claiming the Republican party needed more 'inclusivity.'

Among the supporters of Biden's message were U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the country's top diplomat. 

'Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration of the courage and resilience of transgender, nonbinary and gender non-confirming persons who exist in every country and culture around the world,' Blinken said in a statement Sunday.

'On this day, the United States recognizes the achievements and progress that trans persons have made in the global struggle for equality and re-affirms its commitment to supporting the equality, inclusion and full recognition of the human rights of transgender persons.'

The day of remembrance is observed on March 31 every year and has been since 2009. It was created by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, the executive director of advocacy group Transgender Michigan.

The holiday is 'a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces,' according to media monitoring nonprofit GLAAD.