During a sermon on Sunday, Reverend Dr. Steve Caudle, pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, spoke about the potential for violence in response to what he described as an attack on Americans’ personal information.
He referenced a hypothetical scenario in which Elon Musk “forces his way” into the U.S. Treasury and “threatens to steal” personal data and Social Security benefits.
Caudle expressed concern that the nation was on the brink of turmoil, warning that conflict may be inevitable. He stated that while he hoped for peace, there were times when violence could not be avoided.
Pastor Steve Caudle of the Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN, is for violence against DOGE and @elonmusk.pic.twitter.com/NPyFadkgrk
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) February 10, 2025
He addressed the congregation by saying that no one likes violence, but sometimes it becomes necessary. He used the example of Musk allegedly taking control of the U.S. Treasury as a moment when resistance might be required. He claimed that if the situation escalated to a point where personal finances and security were at risk, violence could be a possible reaction.
He then posed a rhetorical question, anticipating criticism for his remarks. He suggested that some might argue that advocating for violence is not in line with Christian teachings.
In response, he cited Matthew 11:12, which references the idea that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and that the violent take it by force. He framed this as a biblical justification for fighting back when under threat.
Following the circulation of a clip from Caudle’s sermon, Musk responded by stating that his critics were afraid that their fraud would be exposed.
They are afraid that their fraud will be discovered https://t.co/fZcp8eErBW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 10, 2025
The controversy arises amid backlash against Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was recently granted access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system to oversee and limit government spending. The move has faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing that it oversteps executive authority.
Since DOGE’s access was granted, a judge issued a temporary halt following a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 other Democratic state attorneys general. The legal challenge came after DOGE’s intervention resulted in the suspension of funds allocated to climate change initiatives.
As tensions continue to rise, the debate over government oversight, financial transparency, and executive authority remains a central issue.