Donald Trump’s presidency is showing signs of division within his coalition, particularly regarding religious issues. In his second year in office, Trump has issued an unprecedented 225 executive orders, including measures aimed at promoting a religious agenda. Key among these is a task force established on February 6, 2025, to address what Trump described as “Christian bias” in government. The day following this order, he announced the creation of the White House Faith Office to uphold religious liberty protections and support faith-based initiatives.
These actions reflect a broader strategy to reinforce a narrative of America as a right-wing Christian nation. Trump has frequently invoked his perceived divine mission, declaring, “I was saved by God to make America great again.” His Vice President, JD Vance, has echoed these sentiments, recently asserting at the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, “By the grace of God we will always be a Christian nation.” This statement notably omitted the traditional reference to “Judeo-Christian,” which has raised eyebrows among various Christian communities, including some members of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church, represented by Pope Leo XIV, has expressed concerns regarding the administration’s immigration policies, particularly in relation to Somali-Americans. In a heated Cabinet meeting, Vance reacted strongly during one of Trump’s xenophobic speeches, reflecting the tension within the administration regarding these issues. Vance, who converted to Catholicism recently, has faced scrutiny over whether his conversion aligns with political motivations rather than genuine religious conviction. Pope Leo XIV has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the administration’s treatment of immigrants, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and respect for human dignity.
In addition to the Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has also been vocal about their opposition to the administration’s actions. Following Trump’s initial immigration executive orders, the church urged the government to exercise “mercy and compassion” towards immigrants, particularly those who are vulnerable. Recently, the Episcopal Church terminated a long-standing partnership with the government over refugee resettlement due to the administration’s focus on resettling select groups, such as white Afrikaners from South Africa, while limiting asylum claims for others.
The stance of evangelical churches, which hold significant influence within the Republican Party, adds another layer to this complex situation. The Southern Baptist Convention, which previously advocated for more humane immigration policies, has recently avoided addressing immigration altogether. Many local pastors express concern for their minority and immigrant congregants but fear backlash from conservative members if they speak out. The shift in focus towards issues like LGBTQ+ rights instead of immigration suggests a growing divide within the evangelical community.
This apparent division signifies deeper fractures within Trump’s MAGA coalition. Despite the rapid growth of Latino evangelicals, who predominantly supported Trump in the 2024 election, the Southern Baptist leadership’s reluctance to engage with immigration highlights a failure to adapt to changing demographics and beliefs.
Ultimately, the current landscape reveals a significant schism in American society, characterized by a struggle between those advocating for justice and compassion versus those who cling to a narrative of division and cruelty, all while professing Christian values. This ongoing conflict may reshape the political dynamics as various religious groups reassess their positions and alignments in the face of current policies.
