In a bold move that’s ignited debate, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has hung a replica of the iconic “Christ on the Water” painting in his office, causing a stir across the nation. The painting, which depicts Jesus saving sailors, was controversially removed from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s prominent display and placed in the basement. Now, Duffy is demanding its return to its rightful place. What’s the story behind the backlash, and why is this historic piece causing such a stir? Find out what’s fueling this heated national debate!

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Displays Controversial ‘Christ on the Water’ Painting in DOT Office, Sparks Debate

In a bold move that has stirred up both support and controversy, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently hung a replica of the historic Christ on the Water painting in his Washington, D.C. office. The painting, created by late merchant mariner Hunter A. Wood in 1944, depicts Jesus saving sailors lost at sea and has been part of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York, for over 70 years. Duffy’s decision to display a replica of the controversial artwork in a government office has reignited discussions about the role of religion in public spaces and the preservation of historical art in federal buildings.

Duffy’s actions come after a tumultuous series of events at the USMMA, where the painting was removed from a prominent position in 2023, sparking outrage from midshipmen and members of the conservative community. The painting was moved to the basement of the USMMA chapel after a demand from Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, who argued that its display violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. Now, with the painting being kept out of public view in a flood-prone area, Duffy has taken it upon himself to push for its restoration to a prominent place and publicly advocate for its significance.

Duffy’s Display of Solidarity and Support

Duffy, who has been a vocal supporter of conservative values throughout his career, took to social media on Tuesday to announce his decision to hang a replica of the painting in his office. In a video shared with The Christian Post, Duffy explained the reasoning behind his actions, saying, “What I found fascinating when I was at the academy was that this was a personal affront to the midshipmen at the academy. That it was taken from a place of prominence and put in the basement of the chapel actually had them outraged.”

The public display of the replica came after Duffy’s appearance at the USMMA’s annual Battle Standard Dinner in April 2025, where his call to “bring Jesus up from the basement” received a roaring applause from the midshipmen in attendance. The moment was an emotional one for Duffy, who was deeply moved by the enthusiastic response to his words. “When I talked about taking Jesus out of the basement and putting this historic picture back in the place of prominence, the young midshipmen lost their minds,” Duffy said, recalling the applause. “They were delighted that Jesus would be put back.”

Duffy shared that the reaction from the midshipmen encouraged him to take the next step, which was to display the replica in his office. “Jesus out of the basement at DOT office here! It looks beautiful,” he said, reinforcing his stance on the importance of religious imagery in public spaces.

The Painting’s Controversial Removal and Legal Battle

The Christ on the Water painting has been a part of the USMMA since 1944, but it faced removal under the Biden administration in 2023 after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) petitioned for its removal. The group argued that the display of a religious image in a government institution violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting religious beliefs.

The decision to cover the painting with a curtain during official events and eventually move it to the basement sparked anger from students and faculty at the academy. Many viewed the removal as an attack on their religious freedoms and an unnecessary erasure of a piece of history that had been a source of inspiration and strength for generations of midshipmen.

Among those most affected by the removal were the midshipmen themselves, many of whom had long regarded the painting as a symbol of hope and faith during their time at the academy. One midshipman, who requested to remain anonymous, recalled the emotional significance of the painting. “I remember many times when I used to pray underneath that painting when I was on the verge of failing a class, or I had big tests or I was worried about something,” the midshipman said. “So, to me, it’s a very significant, important painting, and I think it’s an important part of the school’s history.”

The situation has sparked public debate, with many questioning whether it’s right for the government to remove or hide such a significant religious piece of art, particularly when it holds deep meaning for the students and faculty who have long been part of the USMMA.

The Petition for Restoration and Legal Tensions

Amid the controversy, a petition launched by the Kings Point Christian Fellowship Club has gained traction, calling for the painting to be restored to a place of prominence. The petition highlights the painting’s deep significance to the midshipmen, many of whom see it as a symbol of faith and resilience. The petitioners have argued that the painting should be moved to an auditorium or another prominent location on campus where it can continue to inspire future generations.

However, not everyone supports the restoration of the painting. Mikey Weinstein, the founder of the MRFF, has threatened to escalate the legal battle, warning that bringing the painting back to a prominent location could spark what he described as “World War 8.” He claims that such a move would be an unconstitutional endorsement of religion in a government space, which he believes could violate the rights of non-religious individuals and those of different faiths.

Despite the legal challenges and threats, Duffy’s efforts to advocate for the painting’s return have only added fuel to the fire. His vocal support for the restoration has brought national attention to the issue and intensified the debate over the role of religious symbols in public life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Painting and the Legal Battle?

As the battle over the Christ on the Water painting continues, the fate of the artwork remains uncertain. Duffy’s public display of the replica in his office has certainly fueled the conversation, but the original painting’s future at the USMMA is still in question. The White House has yet to comment on the matter, but Duffy’s position as Transportation Secretary suggests that he will continue to advocate for the painting’s restoration, regardless of the legal challenges ahead.

The issue has raised broader questions about the place of religion in public spaces and the tensions between religious freedom and government neutrality. It also underscores the ongoing debate about how we preserve and honor history while ensuring that all individuals’ rights are respected. As the legal battle moves forward, it is likely that we will see more discussions about the intersection of religion, government, and public art in the years to come.

For now, those who support the painting’s return to a place of prominence are holding out hope that their efforts will lead to a resolution. Whether or not the painting ever returns to its former place of honor at the USMMA, one thing is clear: this controversy is far from over, and it will continue to capture public attention as the legal battle unfolds.