Why Are Evangelicals Opposing Trump?
The evangelical community has long been associated with strong support for Donald Trump. However, a growing number of pastors, theologians, and believers are now publicly and privately dissenting. This shift is not about politics. It is about faithfulness to the Gospel.
Here are key reasons behind this evangelical dissent:
Moral Inconsistency: A Crisis of Character
Evangelicals historically emphasized moral integrity in leaders. Yet Trump’s personal conduct, including serial adultery, documented abuses, and lack of repentance, has created a crisis of conscience for many believers.
Key Points
- Double Standards: Trump’s behavior contradicts the “family values” platform evangelicals championed for decades.
- Pastoral Criticism: Leaders like Russell Moor (former Southern Baptist ethics chief) faced backlash for calling out Trump’s “lack of character and competence.”
- Public Reckoning: A 2026 Pew survey shows support for Trump among white evangelicals dropped 7 points since 2020, with non-evangelical Protestants abandoning him in even greater numbers.
“Only the truly naive would expect a message of Christian love and charity from this president.”
– Peter Wehner, The Atlantic
Christian Nationalism: A Distortion of Faith
Trump’s presidency accelerated Christian nationalism. That is the belief that America’s prosperity equals God’s favor. This distorts the Gospel, turning Jesus into a political mascot
Key Points
- Idolatry of Power:
Christian nationalism replaces worship of God with worship of the country and its leader. - Pastoral Resistance:
Organizations like Vote Common Good (led by Doug Pagitt) help churches confront Christian nationalism without abandoning their faith. - Immigration as a Test:
Trump’s anti-immigration policies (family separations, church raids) have driven evangelicals to publicly protest and advocate for migrants.
“We can’t claim to follow Jesus and ignore the stranger at our gate.”
Reverend Alexia Salvatierra, immigrant rights advocate
The “Quiet Quitting” of Trumpism
Not all dissent is loud. Many evangelicals are “quietly quitting” Trumpism. They are disengaging from MAGA rhetoric without making a public spectacle.
Key Points
- Silent Exodus:
Pastors report congregants leaving churches over political divisions, while others avoid political sermons to preserve unity. - Generational Shift:
Younger evangelicals are rejecting the marriage of faith and partisanship, seeking a more authentic, less political Christianity. - Fear of Backlash:
Many dissenters stay quiet to avoid online harassment or family conflict.
The Christian Case for Dissent
The Biblical Call
The Bible commands Christians to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). When a leader embodies the opposite of Christ’s teachings, silence is complicity.
Key Points
- Prophetic Witness:
Dissent is not about division. It is about faithfulness to the Gospel. - The Cost of Discipleship:
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.” - Reclaiming the Church’s Voice:
The call is to reject idolatry and reclaim the prophetic witness of the church.
What’s Next for Evangelicals?
The evangelical dissent against Trump is about more than politics. It is about faithfulness to Jesus. Not faithfulness to parties, personalities, or power. The question for every believer is:
“Are you for Jesus or are you for Trump?”