In a jaw-dropping twist, the release of the Zion Church founder came after Donald Trump made a direct plea to none other than Xi Jinping. You’d think the mainstream media would be all over this explosive intersection of religion and geopolitics, but instead, outlets like CNN and MSNBC treat it like yesterday’s news, focusing instead on their perpetual narrative of Trump’s alleged incompetence. Why? Because acknowledging a potential diplomatic win for Trump disrupts their carefully crafted story about him being a chaotic force devoid of influence.

On the other hand, Fox News, as always, runs the risk of sensationalism, focusing on Trump’s relationship with China without probing deeper into the implications of such a plea. They may frame it as a heroic act, yet avoid dissecting the consequences of mixing morality and politics. Both sides are failing to ask the tough questions: What does this mean for religious freedom abroad? What are the larger implications for U.S.-China relations?

This moment should be an opportunity for honest debate and analysis, not just fodder for whatever narrative fits the day. The American public deserves more than a flashy headline or a sound bite; they deserve clarity and context. Don’t let CNN’s spin or Fox’s bravado distract you from asking the hard questions we need to be discussing.