A recent incident at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York, has sparked heated debate, as attorney Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), sharply criticized midshipmen for celebrating the restoration of a historic Jesus painting.

Weinstein’s inflammatory remarks, labeling the midshipmen “Christian nationalist insects” and “cowards,” have drawn significant attention, raising questions about religious expression, secularism, and free speech in military institutions.

The controversy centers on a large painting titled Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, which has been part of the USMMA’s Elliot See Conference Room for decades.

In 2023, Weinstein’s MRFF campaigned for its relocation, arguing that its prominent display in a secular government facility violated the separation of church and state.

Following legal pressure, the painting was moved to a less prominent location, a decision that frustrated many midshipmen and alumni who viewed it as a piece of cultural heritage rather than a religious endorsement.

On April 10, 2025, the painting was restored to its original location in the conference room, a move championed by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who praised the decision as a defense of tradition.

The restoration prompted cheers from a group of midshipmen, an action that Weinstein condemned in a fiery statement.

According to The Christian Post, Weinstein declared, “To the cheering robustious throngs of Christian Nationalist midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant of Venice Academy, and to their dear MAGA fascist cheerleader Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, MRFF commands: ‘Side Step HARCH!,’ you stinking piece-of-sh– Christian Nationalist insects!!”

Weinstein’s rhetoric, which also included a mocking reference to the USMMA as the “U.S. Merchant of Venice Academy,” has been widely criticized for its inflammatory tone.

The Washington Times reported that several USMMA alumni and conservative commentators called the remarks “unhinged” and “disrespectful” to the midshipmen, who are training to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine and Navy.

One alumnus stated, “These young men and women are preparing to defend our country, and they’re being insulted for expressing pride in their academy’s history.”

Conversely, supporters of Weinstein argue that his outrage stems from a legitimate concern about the encroachment of religious symbolism in government institutions.

A statement from the MRFF, quoted by Military.com, emphasized that the painting’s prominent placement could alienate non-Christian midshipmen and create a perception of religious favoritism.

“The USMMA is not a church. It’s a federal academy funded by taxpayers of all beliefs and none,” the MRFF stated.

The dispute has reignited debates over the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prohibits the government from endorsing any religion.

Legal experts interviewed by The Hill noted that while historical artifacts like the Jesus painting may have cultural significance, their display in public spaces must be carefully contextualized to avoid constitutional violations.

“If the painting is presented as art or history, it’s defensible. If it’s framed as a religious statement, it’s problematic,” said constitutional scholar Jane Eisner.

The incident has also fueled broader discussions about “Christian nationalism,” a term Weinstein used to describe the midshipmen’s actions.

Posts on X reflect polarized views, with some users defending the midshipmen’s right to celebrate their faith and others accusing the restoration of promoting a theocratic agenda.

One X post stated, “The painting’s been there for decades. Calling these kids ‘insects’ for cheering is just hateful.” Another countered, “A secular academy shouldn’t be a shrine to any religion. Weinstein’s harsh, but he’s not wrong.”

The USMMA administration has not issued a formal statement on Weinstein’s comments, but sources within the academy told Fox News that officials are “reviewing the situation” to ensure compliance with federal regulations while respecting the academy’s traditions.

Secretary Duffy, meanwhile, doubled down on his support for the painting’s restoration, tweeting, “Proud of our midshipmen for standing up for history and faith. No apologies needed.”

The MRFF has vowed to continue its legal efforts to relocate the painting, with Weinstein calling for its return to a “non-secular” space.

In a press release, the organization announced plans to file a new complaint with the Department of Defense, arguing that the restoration violates the rights of non-Christian midshipmen.