An unsteady alliance: Donald Trump and the religious right
The Hindu
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for 2024, embodies contradictions, appealing to white evangelical Christians despite his controversial past.
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for 2024, presents a concatenation of contradictions. His transition from New York businessman to the President of the United States, from a thrice-married TV celebrity to the poster child for white evangelical Christians, came as a surprise to many.
Mr. Trump was convicted last month by a New York court on 34 felony counts in a trial involving hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He was found to be liable for the sexual abuse of a New York woman in 1996. In 2016, Mr. Trump was also the only GOP candidate with a history of casino ventures and two divorces, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct — one of them affirmed by a civil court verdict.
To a bystander, his actions may seem incongruous with the norms of Christianity. Indeed, of late, his reluctance to take a hardline stance on abortion and some support for Kamala Harris among Evangelicals may be challenging his sway. A recent poll by EWTN News/RealClear Opinion Research revealed that the vice president was polling ahead with Catholics, a key denomination of Christians. While Mr. Trump is being supported by 42.7% of Catholics, Ms. Harris is seven points ahead, at 50.1% support.
However, he still maintains the lead among white evangelical Christians in America. According to a Pew Research Center poll in February 2024, two-thirds of white evangelical Christians had a favourable opinion of Mr. Trump; a Reuters/Ipsos poll in September 2023 showed that he beat out Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis among this section of the public.
Several of the issues which are foremost for the Christian right— bans on abortion, curbing of LGBTQ+ rights, and protection of the traditional family structure— have found resonance in policies rolled out during the Trump years.
We look at the extent of and causes for support for Mr. Trump among the Christian right, and broadly look at how the Republican party has been intertwined with religious causes. How has the “faith, freedom and family” narrative affected American politics?
Also read: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump face off in final TV debate as America awaits next twist
Protesters target properties of Awami League leaders, demolish Mujibur Rahman's house, and deface murals in Bangladesh.
Marco Rubio boycotts G20 talks in South Africa, accusing the host government of an "anti-American" agenda.
China’s retaliatory tariffs on the United States may cause U.S. oil exports to decline in 2025 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, after growth plateaued last year.
Trump administration considers WHO reform plan, including U.S. leadership, amid concerns over pandemic response and agency effectiveness.
Demetrius Frazier, convicted of murder, faces execution in Alabama, using nitrogen gas, despite pleas from his mother and advocates.
US government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal for free, saving millions annually, amid tensions with China.
Iran condemns Trump's plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza as a violation of international law.
South Korea mandates bird detection technology at airports following fatal Jeju Air crash, aiming to prevent future accidents.
Israeli PM Netanyahu supports Trump's idea of displacing Palestinians from Gaza, drawing international criticism and condemnation from rights groups.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visits the U.S. to discuss trade, defense, and energy security with President Trump.
Nationwide protests against Trump administration's policies, including immigration crackdown and transgender rights rollback, spark resistance movement.
Rahim Al-Hussaini named new Aga Khan V, spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, succeeding his father, Aga Khan IV.
Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from girls' sports, sparking controversy and legal challenges.