A majority of U.S. Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. However, there is dismay in Catholic ranks over Trump’s verbal assault on Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Leo says he is sharing a Gospel message, not directly attacking Trump. Criticism of Trump came from Archbishop Paul Coakley and Bishop Robert Barron, who called Trump’s remarks “entirely inappropriate.” Dismay extended to conservative Christian evangelicals over another issue. Many were appalled by Trump posting an image seeming to depicting him as a Christ-like savior. By midday Monday, the image had been taken down from Truth Social.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hosted a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon, the first since the Iran war began. He quoted warlike Scripture and prayed in Jesus’ name. He read a prayer he said was shared with troops who captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. It asked for “overwhelming violence” against enemies. Government leaders often use broad religious language, but critics say Hegseth’s specific evangelical framing feels new for his role. On Monday, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued to obtain records about the Pentagon Christian services. Hegseth also announced chaplain reforms and cuts to the military’s recognized religious affiliations.
More Democrats are openly running on faith, as progressive clergy and other religious candidates push back on the idea that Christianity belongs to the right. Candidates include James Talarico, a Texas seminarian running for Senate, and several ordained ministers running in Iowa for Congress. Experts say many Democrats avoid religious talk because the party is diverse and has many nonreligious voters. In the 2024 election, most white evangelicals backed Trump. Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also leans into faith with a new book amid speculation he will run for president in 2028.