As a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, I want to provide some context on the recent national story involving claimed threats against Donald Trump and Elon Musk from a local pastor in our community, Steve Caudle. For months, we have been witnessing elevated angry rhetoric coming from black pastors and churches across the nation following the election of Trump and Musk’s appointment to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Is this anger authentic or theatrical?

After discussing the situation with the local pastor who ignited the media firestorm with his “Violent Kingdom” sermon, I realize this is another case of how the mass media can manipulate narratives to pit different factions against each other.

A scripture that resonates with my thoughts is II Corinthians 2:11: “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (NKJV)

To provide context, the media storm originated from a group distributing fake KKK flyers specifically within the black community in Chattanooga. Local black pastors also received security emails warning them about a known white supremacist attending their congregations. Concurrently, fake news reports asserted that Trump and Musk were dismantling Social Security, which of course they are not.

This is all misinformation — it’s fake news!

Pastor Caudle, who grew up during the civil rights era and leads an elderly congregation dependent on Social Security, was understandably upset by these perceived threats. His anger fueled his sermon about engaging in spiritual warfare and the potential for violence if their community was attacked.

As someone knowledgeable in media literacy, I practice discerning fact from fiction. When I examined the KKK flyer, I recognized it as a charade. My father, a black pastor, forwarded me the security email he received, and I quickly spotted inconsistencies that led me to conclude it was also a charade. Clearly, someone was exploiting the emotions of these pastors.

I personally met with Pastor Caudle in order to explain what Trump and Musk were actually doing — which did not involve cutting Social Security. I clarified these issues for him, and explaining how his sermon had gained traction online. I helped him understand that he, like all of us, needed to get to the truth of the matter before responding.

His demeanor changed from anger to remorse, and he apologized for his outburst. He initially believed I had some hand in this farce because I am widely recognized as a Trump-supporting black man and have been a guest in the Trump White House several times. I explained to him how orchestrated hate creates faux outrage.

He went on to explain how his sermon was taken out of context, which propelled it to become viral on social media and news outlets.

This experience underscores the importance of media literacy. We must communicate and not allow media narratives to dictate our interactions or judgments. The emotions expressed by black pastors often stem from misunderstanding.

As we navigate this age of misinformation, let’s extend grace to our Baby Boomer pastors who may struggle to grasp how media and social media platforms work. There are forces at play that seek to keep us divided.

Caudle was in tears after our conversation. His family was receiving threats. The county mayor was calling for his resignation from a board. He hadn’t had any sleep. I think he has learned his lesson.

Pastor Steve Caudle, I forgive you, and I hope America can too.