What's happened
Former President Donald Trump has begun endorsing a $60 Bible named 'God Bless the USA Bible,' inspired by Lee Greenwood's patriotic song. The announcement, made on his Truth Social platform, comes amid his campaign to return to the White House and mounting legal bills. Trump's move has drawn criticism but little reaction from evangelical leaders. At a recent rally in Wisconsin, Trump proposed 'Christian visibility day' in response to the Biden administration's recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility.
Why it matters
Trump's endorsement of the 'God Bless the USA Bible' is significant as it highlights his ongoing efforts to solidify support among Christian conservatives. This move, coupled with his recent proposal for 'Christian visibility day,' underscores his strategy to appeal to religious voters. The impact of these actions could influence voter turnout and shape the political landscape leading up to the 2024 presidential election. Additionally, the controversy surrounding his Bible sales and religious messaging may further polarize public opinion and affect the broader cultural and political discourse in the United States.
What the papers say
According to Axios, Trump has developed a sense of impunity with religious messaging, appealing to Christian conservatives despite his past gaffes. The Independent's Joe Sommerlad highlighted satirist Stephen Colbert's criticism of Trump's Bible salesmanship, calling it a profit-driven venture. The New Statesman's Michael Coren noted Trump's consistent support from white evangelicals, despite his controversial statements. Meanwhile, Metro reported on Trump's partnership with Lee Greenwood and his promotion of the Bible during Holy Week. These varying perspectives illustrate the complex and often contentious nature of Trump's relationship with religious voters.
How we got here
Donald Trump's relationship with Christian conservatives has been a key aspect of his political strategy since his 2016 presidential campaign. Despite not being overtly religious before entering politics, Trump has successfully courted the evangelical base through policy decisions and public displays of faith. His administration's appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices and actions to overturn Roe v. Wade were particularly well-received by this demographic. As Trump campaigns for a potential return to the White House, he continues to leverage religious symbolism and messaging to maintain and strengthen his support among Christian voters.
Common question
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The Bible is a collection of religious texts or scriptures sacred to Christians, Jews, Samaritans, Rastafari and others. They generally consider the Bible to be a product of divine inspiration and a record of the relationship between God and humans.
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Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Its adherents, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, called the Old T