In a social media exchange reported by Newsweek on Saturday, December 23, 2023, former Donald Trump ally Jenna Ellis criticized one of Trump’s co-defendants, Michael Cassidy, for beheading a satanic statue at the Iowa State Capitol. Cassidy, a former U.S. Navy pilot and Republican candidate, admitted to the act during a Turning Point conference, and he faces charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief.
Ellis, who previously pleaded guilty to charges related to election interference, posted on social media questioning whether Christians are required to destroy monuments to false gods. Jeff Clark, another Trump ally and co-defendant in a lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems, criticized Ellis for defending the satanic statue. The lawsuit accuses Ellis and Clark of spreading false claims about election rigging and seeks $1.3 billion in damages from each.
The social media exchange between Ellis and Clark escalated, with both accusing the other of betrayal and wrongdoing. Ellis defended her Christian faith and conservative values, while Clark criticized her for alleged betrayal and spreading fake news. The Baphomet statue, installed by the Satanic Temple, was beheaded by Cassidy, who cited his Christian faith and patriotism as motivations. The act prompted condemnation from the Satanic Temple, which plans to pursue legal action against Cassidy and replace the vandalized statue.
