American politics has had undercurrents of religious rhetoric since the nation’s birth. In fact, the line in the American Pledge of Allegiance, “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” was added in 1954 during the Cold War after religious groups had lobbied for its addition. Political figures, however, have taken different approaches when it comes to publicizing their beliefs, but typically they have one similarity: subtlety. However, religion has become central to President Donald Trump’s image.
Since launching his first presidential campaign in 2015, Trump’s relationship with religion has sparked both praise and skepticism, working to divide Christian communities and deepen political rifts. Over time, Trump has leaned deeper into a spiritual dimension, reflecting the core belief of many of his supporters that faith is fundamental to America’s identity. This relationship was made clear after the assassination of conservative Christian influencer Charlie Kirk. Following his death, he was transported on an Air Force Two, which is an honor ordinarily reserved for high-ranking officials. This gesture symbolizes the blurring of faith and political power; acts like these are seen by many as work to threaten a foundational American belief: the separation between church and state.
Faith and politics have always been used hand in hand, but the way Trump uses them is entirely revolutionary. He blends nationalism with spirituality, making his agenda sound less like a political campaign and more like a mission.
Senior Kevin Peterson sees value in this attribute of Trump’s persona.
“Political beliefs aside, I think Trump’s ability to paint himself as someone who will make real change in the world makes him stand out from [any other politician],” Peterson said.
Trump’s debates don’t function as political differences; instead, by using language like “God–given rights” and “sacred freedoms,” disputes surrounding policy are turned into moral disagreements. For example, in a 2018 speech at the National Rifle Association (NRA) convention, Trump referenced guns as a “sacred right given to us by God.” In doing so, he separates partisan stances into right and wrong, and “good” and “evil.”
Advanced Placement United States History teacher Lindsey Kornfeld is keenly aware of the pattern between progressivism and conservatism, saying that “when America takes one step forward, it takes two steps back.”
“When looking at American history, there is always a portion of society that responds conservatively to change. They say, ‘That’s too much change, let’s return to our roots.’ And our roots are our Christian values. We were founded as a Christian nation,” Kornfeld said.
For many conservative evangelical Christians, Trump’s rhetoric evokes feelings of security. Trump postures himself as a defender of traditional values, declaring that he will fight on behalf of the people who feel like they are drowning in the rising tides of social change. Growing cultural and partisan divides reinforce his image as a protector. For example, the national debate over Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) rights is substantiated by religious beliefs. Appeasing many conservative evangelicals and Catholics, Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office declaring male and female as biologically determined sexes. He signed another order aiming to take away federal support for gender-affirming care for young people.
Students have started to take note of the prominent role religion plays in politics. Senior Ashley Ball feels like its
presence has encouraged cultural division within the nation.
”I think when you look at these big national issues, like abortion, the conservative argument continually uses a kind of evangelical Christian justification. In cases, these religious arguments work to rationalize exclusivity,” Ball said.
Additionally, not everyone sees Trump’s calls to religion as genuine. Many critics, like sophomore Arianna Nikfar, who also identifies as Christian, believe that Trump’s appeal to Christians is less about faith and more about influence.
“Trump is using the mass population of Christianity to boost his popularity and gain voters rather than using actual political views,” Nikfar said. “As our country preaches its inclusivity and equality, our politics should reflect those values.”
This opinion is shared by Reverend Shannon Fleck, executive director of progressive group Faithful America. Fleck noted in an interview with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) that Trump’s agenda fails to embody Christian morality.
“A president with a true Christian agenda would be most concerned with uplifting those in our country who have been cast aside. The most vulnerable among us are not billionaires,” Fleck said.
