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Donald Trump and religion

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For the religious following of Trump's political movement, see Christian Trumpism.
Donald Trump held a copy of the Bible outside St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, in June 2020 following a controversial removal of protestors.

Donald Trump was raised in his mother's Presbyterian faith; his father was a Lutheran. He attended Sunday school and was confirmed in 1959 at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica.[1][2][3] He said in 2015 that he attends Marble Collegiate Church, a Reformed Christian congregation in Manhattan; the church said in a statement to CNN that he "is not an active member".[3] He said that he was a Presbyterian and a Protestant in 2016.[4][5]

A survey during Trump's first presidency showed that 63% of Americans did not believe he was religious, despite his professed Christian affiliation, and that only 44% of Americans believed that Trump was a Christian.[6] Trump has stated that he has great relationships with Christian ministers.[5] He has had a long association with Paula White, an evangelical minister whom he has called his "personal pastor".[7] White delivered the invocation prayer at Trump's 2017 inauguration and joined the White House staff in 2019 to work on religious outreach issues.[8]

In October 2020, Trump declared that he no longer identified as Presbyterian and was now a nondenominational Christian.[9]

In 2015, Trump stated that his favorite book was the Bible; he declined to offer his favorite verse in the Bible, however, stating that it's "very personal".[10] In 2016, he said his favorite verse was "An Eye for an Eye".[11] In 2015, during the Family Leadership Summit Frank Luntz asked Trump if he ever asked God for forgiveness, Trump responded, "I'm not sure I have. I just go and try to do a better job from there. I don't think so. I think if I do something wrong, I think I just try and make it right. I don't bring God into that picture. I don't."[12]

Trip to Israel

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Ivanka Trump (far right) with (from center to right) her father, second stepmother, and husband at the Western Wall at Temple Mount in Jerusalem in May 2017

Although Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump was raised as a Presbyterian,[13] she converted to Orthodox Judaism in July 2009,[14][15] after studying with Elie Weinstock from the Modern Orthodox Ramaz School, prior to her marriage to Jared Kushner in a Jewish ceremony.[16] His daughter took the Hebrew name "Yael" (Hebrew: יָעֵל, lit. ''mountain goat' or ibex').[17]

Ivanka and her husband made a pilgrimage to the grave of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, a popular prayer site, shortly before Donald Trump's election victory.[14][18] In May 2017, the couple also accompanied Donald Trump on the latter's first official visit to Israel as president. As part of the trip to Israel, Donald Trump became the first incumbent U.S. president to visit the Western Wall.[19]

After 2020

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In 2024, Trump began to sell special editions of the King James Version of the Bible that contained copies of the founding documents of the United States, known as the God Bless the U.S.A. Bible.[20][21] Trump has a personal collection of Bibles.[22]

Trump has woven Christian religious imagery into his 2024 presidential campaign, characterizing it as a "righteous crusade" against "atheists, globalists and the Marxists". He stated that his aims included restoring the United States "as one nation under God with liberty and justice for all".[23] Trump has stated that the United States is a "nation of believers".[24] Trump's rallies take on the symbols, rhetoric and agenda of Christian nationalism.[25] Trump maintains positive relations with the New Apostolic Reformation, whose figures promote pro-Trump policies and are influential within the Trump administration.[26][27]

On January 21, 2025, Episcopal bishop Mariann Budde addressed Trump during an inaugural prayer service, asking him to show mercy to immigrants, refugees, and the LGBTQ community.[28] After the service, Trump disparaged Budde as a "so-called Bishop" and a "radical Left hard line Trump hater",[29][30] and demanded an apology from Budde and the Episcopal Church.[31][32]

Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Trump stated: "God has now spared my life not once, but twice".[33]

Trump has been critical of what he sees as a persecution of Christians.[34] On February 6, following the National Prayer Breakfast, he signed an executive order to create a task force to "immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination within the federal government, including at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible, the IRS, the FBI — terrible — and other agencies".[35][36] Donald Trump appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the task force and appointed Paula White to direct the White House Faith Office.[34]

Faith as a Political Tool

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Trump’s religious rhetoric has often been described as transactional, focusing more on reinforcing his image as a strong leader than on genuine spiritual beliefs.[37] Unlike past U.S. presidents who openly discussed their personal spiritual struggles, Trump has largely avoided theological discussions, instead emphasizing success, power, and dominance. His reluctance to discuss themes of humility, repentance, or service—central to Christianity—has led some critics to argue that his faith is more of a political tool than a guiding principle.[38]

His close association with leaders of the Prosperity Gospel movement, such as televangelist Paula White, further supports this perspective. The Prosperity Gospel equates wealth and success with divine favor, a message that aligns with Trump's self-presentation as a successful businessman and strong leader. Many evangelical leaders, including Franklin Graham and Jerry Falwell Jr., have defended Trump's moral failings by arguing that God can use imperfect people for His purposes, a justification that blends religious faith with political pragmatism.[39]

Trump’s faith-based outreach has played a key role in securing evangelical support, despite his personal detachment from many core Christian teachings. His policies and judicial appointments have solidified his status as a champion of evangelical political interests, even as critics argue that his engagement with Christianity is more performative than sincere.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Meyer, Holly (January 18, 2017) [January 17, 2017]. "Donald Trump to be sworn in on Lincoln, family Bibles". The Tennesseean. Gannett. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  2. ^ Barron, James (September 5, 2016). "Overlooked Influences on Donald Trump: A Famous Minister and His Church". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Archived from the original on February 9, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Scott, Eugene (August 28, 2015). "Church says Donald Trump is not an 'active member'". CNN. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved September 14, 2022. he is a Presbyterian, and is not an active member of Marble
  4. ^ Campbell, Colin (January 23, 2016). "TRUMP: If I'm president, 'Christianity will have power' in the US". Business Insider. OCLC 1076392313. Archived from the original on October 11, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025. And that's pretty sad, because we're Christians. I'm Protestant. I'm Presbyterian.
  5. ^ a b Engel, Pamela (June 8, 2016). "Trump on God: 'Hopefully I won't have to be asking for much forgiveness'". Business Insider. OCLC 1076392313. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2025. As you know, I am Presbyterian and Protestant. I've had great relationships and developed even greater relationships with ministers. We have tremendous support from the clergy.
  6. ^ Fahmy, Dalia (March 25, 2020). "Most Americans don't see Trump as religious; fewer than half say they think he's Christian". Pew Research Center. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  7. ^ Peters, Jeremy W.; Dias, Elizabeth (November 2, 2019). "Paula White, Newest White House Aide, Is a Uniquely Trumpian Pastor". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  8. ^ Peters, Jeremy W.; Haberman, Maggie (November 2, 2019) [October 31, 2019]. "Paula White, Trump's Personal Pastor, Joins the White House". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
  9. ^ Jenkins, Jack; Mwaura, Maina (October 24, 2020). "Trump, confirmed a Presbyterian, now identifies as 'non-denominational Christian'". America. Religion News Service. ISSN 0002-7049. OCLC 3612717. Archived from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  10. ^ Scott, Eugene (August 27, 2015). "Trump says Bible is his favorite book, but declines to share favorite verse". CNN. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  11. ^ Mccaskill, Nolan D. (April 14, 2016). "Trump's favorite Bible verse: 'Eye for an eye'". Politico. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  12. ^ Scott, Eugene (July 18, 2015). "Trump believes in God, but hasn't sought forgiveness". CNN. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
  13. ^ Dostis, Melanie (April 9, 2018) [November 9, 2015]. "Zooey Deschanel joins these other stars who changed their religion for love". New York Daily News. ISSN 2692-1251. OCLC 9541172. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "Ivanka Trump visits the Lubavitcher rebbe's grave ahead of election". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. November 6, 2016. Archived from the original on November 9, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  15. ^ Messer, Lesley (July 17, 2009). "Ivanka Trump Converts to Judaism for Fiancé". People. ISSN 0093-7673. OCLC 794712888. Archived from the original on April 20, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2010.
  16. ^ Oppenheim, Maya (September 12, 2016). "Ivanka Trump credits Emma Watson for famous proverb by Rabbinic sage". The Independent. ISSN 1741-9743. OCLC 185201487. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  17. ^ Harkov, Lahav (May 23, 2017) [May 22, 2017]. "Ivanka 'Yael' touches Jewish hearts with tears at the Kotel". The Jerusalem Post. ISSN 0792-822X. OCLC 15700704. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  18. ^ Kaplan Sommer, Allison (November 6, 2016). "WATCH: Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner Visit Lubavitcher Rebbe's Grave to Pray for Election Victory". Haaretz. Archived from the original on November 11, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  19. ^ Rafferty, Andrew (May 23, 2017). "Trump Becomes First Sitting U.S. President to Visit Western Wall". NBC News. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
    Baker, Luke; Holland, Steve (May 23, 2017). "In U.S. presidential first, Trump prays at Jerusalem's Western Wall". Reuters. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
    Diamond, Jeremy (May 23, 2017). "Trump makes historic visit to Western Wall". CNN. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  20. ^ Treisman, Rachel (March 27, 2024). "Cash-strapped Trump is now selling $60 Bibles, U.S. Constitution included". NPR. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  21. ^ Kim, Soo Rin; Ibssa, Lalee (March 28, 2024). "Trump endorses line of Bibles -- after selling shoes, NFTs and more". ABC News. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  22. ^ Moyer, Justin Wm.; Starrs, Jenny (January 19, 2016). "Trump says very curious things about God, church and the Bible". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 2269358. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
  23. ^ Vakil, Caroline (June 24, 2023). "Trump paints 2024 campaign as 'righteous crusade' as he rallies evangelicals". Yahoo News. Archived from the original on February 18, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  24. ^ Naylor, Brian (February 8, 2018). "At Prayer Breakfast, Trump Says Faith Is Central To American Life". NPR. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  25. ^ Smith, Peter (May 18, 2024). "Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  26. ^ Petrovic, Phoebe (October 26, 2024). "The Genesis of Christian Nationalism". ProPublica. Produced in partnership with Wisconsin Watch; Illustrations by Nate Sweitzer; Design by Anna Donlan; Art direction by Peter DiCampo. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved January 13, 2025. In the United States, the NAR has become a driver for pro-Trump, far-right policies that promote a Christian worldview in government.
  27. ^ Herman, Alice (November 7, 2024). "US Christian right celebrates after prophecy of Trump win comes to pass". The Guardian. ISSN 1756-3224. OCLC 60623878. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved January 13, 2025. Now that Trump has secured his victory, figures on the Christian far right whose prominence grew during Trump's 2016 presidency will enjoy larger followings and most importantly, close proximity to the highest office in the US. Among these figures are leaders in the New Apostolic Reformation, a movement which rejects secularism and embraces "Christian dominionism", the idea that Christians are tasked by God to rule over society and government.
  28. ^ Kanno-Youngs, Zolan; Balk, Tim; Green, Erica L. (January 21, 2025). "Bishop Asks Trump to 'Have Mercy' on Immigrants and Gay Children". The New York Times. ISSN 1553-8095. OCLC 1645522. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
  29. ^ Lavietes, Matt; Prindiville, Tara (January 22, 2025). "Bishop at inaugural prayer service urges Trump to 'have mercy' on LGBTQ children, immigrants". NBC News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  30. ^ Starcevic, Seb (January 22, 2025). "Trump launches savage attack on bishop who asked for 'mercy' for minorities". Politico. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  31. ^ Stanley, Tiffany; Superville, Darlene; Fields, Gary (January 21, 2025). "Trump demands an apology from bishop who asked him to 'have mercy' on LGBTQ+ people and migrants". Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  32. ^ Betts, Anna (January 23, 2025). "Bishop who angered Trump with call for mercy says she will not apologize". The Guardian. ISSN 1756-3224. OCLC 60623878. Archived from the original on January 23, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
  33. ^ McLaughlin, Seth (September 18, 2024). "'God has now spared my life not once, but twice', Trump tells supporters". The Washington Times. ISSN 0732-8494. OCLC 8472624. Archived from the original on February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  34. ^ a b Bose, Nandita; Chiacu, Doina (February 6, 1015). "Trump to create religious office in White House, target 'anti-Christian bias'". Reuters. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  35. ^ Madhani, Aamer; Smith, Peter (February 6, 2025). "After prayer breakfast, Trump creates task force to root out 'anti-Christian bias'". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 22, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  36. ^ Lasher, James (February 6, 2025). "President Trump Champions Faith and Freedom at National Prayer Breakfast". Charisma News. Archived from the original on February 17, 2025. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  37. ^ "What Is Trump's Religion? A Critical Look at His Faith and Motivations". ecerkva.com. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
  38. ^ "Faith, Values, and Leadership: A Christian Reflection on Donald Trump's Presidency". ecerkva.com. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
  39. ^ "A Clash of Leadership: Evaluating the Zelenskyy-Trump Meeting from a Christian Perspective". ecerkva.com. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
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