Returning after his historic address to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Secretary of Transportation Scott Duffy gave a rousing Easter address and explained how he had ordered a portrait of Jesus returned to its place of honor after the Biden Administration ordered it removed to a damp basement. The announcement was met with thunderous applause and widespread celebration from the assembled midshipmen and online commenters.
As we reported, the painting “Christ on the Water” or “Jesus and Lifeboat” depicts Jesus appearing before merchant mariners adrift in a lifeboat. The historically significant piece, deeply tied to the USMMA culture, was initially hidden under a sheet at the Biden administration’s orders until it was later moved to a basement.
In any case, Duffy began his remarks by explaining the meaning of holy week. In an April 18, 2025, post, he said, “On Good Friday, we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. During my visit to the US Merchant Marine Academy, I spoke with an amazing group of young midshipmen about Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. A complaint from ONE “concerned citizen” got the Academy’s beautiful & historic “Christ on the Water” painting relegated out of the hall where it was displayed, to the basement, where it’s rarely seen.”
Concluding his remarks, Scott Duffy said, “We shouldn’t have to hide our faith, regardless of our religion. I think there’s no better time than Easter to bring Jesus out of the basement and back to a place where our brave and strong merchant marines can draw inspiration from it. What do you think about Jesus in the basement?”
In the comments under his post, conservatives flocked to support his message. One such comment said, “Excited for future generations if we have men like these service members leading the way. They are leaders who aren’t afraid to show their faith. We need more to be like them!” Another added, “Thank you Sir!!!!@SecDuffy for showing the world this beautiful moment with the US Merchant Marines in the light of our Holy Redeemer Christ Jesus who gave his life to save the world.”
During his earlier remarks, which went viral on the internet, Sec. Duffy praised the students at the academy. He said, “You can be part of DOD, and so I just, I want you to know that I understand the conditions here, and I am going to fight my ass off to make sure you all get to be spent in the money that this academy deserves (sic).”
Building off his point, Duffy promised to return the painting to its traditional location. He explained, “Again, not only smart, not only strong, but you are a great-looking bunch of young people. And so with that, as you go, as you all go into your careers, God bless you, and may God keep you safe. Can we bring Jesus up from the basement?”
Watch the video here:
Concluding his remarks, Duffy acknowledged the thunderous applause and promised to return the academy to its former glory. Duffy said, “That was the loudest applause we got. We are going to work on that together, and funding for the Academy. May God bless you all. Stay safe.”
Featured image from embedded video