Trump’s Complex Relationship With Christianity Resurfaces in White House Bible Reading

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald J. Trump has once again drawn national attention after reading a passage from the Bible in a video message recorded from the Oval Office in mid-April 2026. The appearance was part of “America Reads the Bible,” a weeklong public reading organized to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

In the recording, Mr. Trump recited 2 Chronicles 7:14, a verse that calls for national repentance — a passage frequently invoked in conservative political discourse as a symbol of moral restoration in the United States. The event featured roughly 500 participants, including Republican lawmakers and prominent conservative Christian figures such as Speaker Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and evangelical leaders Franklin Graham and Paula White-Cain.

Bunni Pounds, founder of the conservative group Christians Engaged and one of the event’s organizers, described the initiative as an effort to “call the nation back to its spiritual foundations.” Yet critics argue that the gathering reflects the growing influence of Christian nationalism — a movement that seeks to merge American civic identity with a particular interpretation of Christianity.

Criticism and Concerns Over Christian Nationalism

Scholars and religious leaders were quick to raise concerns. The historian Jemar Tisby warned that invoking Scripture in political settings risks distorting religious teachings for partisan ends. The Rev. Doug Pagitt, a progressive Christian pastor, emphasized that public displays of faith should be matched by adherence to the ethical demands of the Bible itself.

Advocacy groups also pointed to the involvement of organizations that have opposed anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, reinforcing fears that religious symbolism is being used to advance specific political agendas.

Trump’s Personal Faith Under Scrutiny

Mr. Trump’s relationship with Christianity has long been a subject of scrutiny. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he described the Bible as his favorite book but struggled to cite specific passages. He has also faced criticism over remarks and actions seen as inconsistent with traditional Christian practice, including his reluctance to publicly acknowledge personal repentance.

Despite these questions, his support among evangelical voters has remained remarkably resilient. Exit polls from the 2024 election indicated that more than 80 percent of white evangelical voters backed Mr. Trump, underscoring a durable political alliance that has persisted despite theological and ethical debates.

Declining Religious Affiliation in the U.S.

The episode unfolds against a broader backdrop of declining religious affiliation in the United States. According to the Pew Research Center, the share of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped from about 78 percent in 2007 to 62 percent in 2024.

Even so, Mr. Trump has frequently claimed that the country is experiencing a religious revival — a narrative that some analysts view as a political strategy aimed at energizing his religious base.

Additional Controversies

The Bible reading comes amid a series of recent controversies involving Mr. Trump, including the circulation of an artificial intelligence–generated image portraying him in a Christ-like role and his criticism of Pope Leo XIV. Those actions have drawn backlash from Catholic leaders and progressive religious figures.

At the same time, several evangelical advisers close to Mr. Trump have continued to offer unwavering support, often framing his policies — including foreign policy decisions — in spiritual or theological terms.

Faith, Power, and National Identity

Most historians reject the notion that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, pointing instead to constitutional provisions that separate church and state. Still, the increasing use of religious language and symbolism in official settings suggests a shifting dynamic in American political life.

In that sense, Mr. Trump’s Bible reading was more than a ceremonial gesture. It reflected the ongoing tension among personal faith, political power, and national identity in an increasingly polarized United States. []