Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Sparks Controversy with False Quote Attributed to Founding Father Patrick Henry

Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is facing criticism for a Fourth of July tweet that included a false quote attributed to Founding Father Patrick Henry.

Hawley tweeted a quote he claimed to be from Henry saying the United States was founded “on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” However, Henry ― a slave owner perhaps best remembered for his “give me liberty or give me death” quote ― never said it.

The quote Hawley tweeted reads: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”

The tweet has since been deleted, but not before it sparked a wave of criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Critics have accused Hawley of using the false quote to push a religious agenda and of attempting to rewrite American history.

Hawley has yet to comment on the controversy, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and accuracy when it comes to sharing information on social media. It also highlights the need for a better understanding of the Founding Fathers and the principles upon which the United States was founded.