The Evangelical Divide Over Trump
The relationship between Donald Trump and evangelical Christians has been one of the most polarizing issues in modern American religion. While a majority of white evangelicals continue to support Trump, a growing number of pastors, theologians, and lay leaders are publicly opposing his leadership, rhetoric, and policies. As a progressive Christian pastor, I have witnessed this theological and moral reckoning firsthand.
This is not just about politics. It is about what it means to follow Jesus in a time of political idolatry. Here is why some evangelicals are dissociating from Trumpism, and what it means for the future of the church.
Moral Inconsistency: The Elephant in the Sanctuary
Even When You Are President, Your Character Matters
For decades, evangelicals insisted that personal morality was non-negotiable for political leaders. Yet Trump’s serial adultery, documented abuses, and lack of repentance have forced a crisis of conscience. As one paster told The Atlantic, “He may not have ever read the Bible, but he will be a much stronger messenger for us.” That logic has left many evangelicals spiritually whiplashed.
“Only the truly naive would expect a message of Christian love and charity from this president.”
– Peter Wehner, The Atlantic
The Hypocrisy of “Values Voters”
Trump’s three marriages, alleged affairs, and adjudicated misconduct stand in stark contrast to the “family values” platform evangelicals championed for generations. For pastors like Russell Moore (former head of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission), this hypocrisy became unsustainable. Moore faced backlash for criticizing Trump’s “lack of character and competence”, but his stance resonated with evangelicals weary of moral compromises.
Christian Nationalism: A False Gospel
The Rise of Political Idolatry
Trump’s presidency supercharged Christian nationalism. This is the belief that America’s prosperity is tied to a particular brand of conservative Christianity. This distorts the Gospel, reducing faith to a political weapon.
Progressive and moderate pastors, like Doug Pagitt (Vote Common Good), argue that “Jesus did not come to Make America Great Again.” Thousands of churches have used his organization’s resources to confront Christian nationalism in their congregations.
The Immigration Crisis: A Test of Faith
Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including family separations and church raids, have driven a wedge in evangelical circles. Pastors in Texas, California, and the Southeast have publicly protested, escorting migrants to court and holding vigils. As one pastor put it:
“We can’t claim to follow Jesus and ignore the stranger at our gate.”
– Reverend Alexia Salvatierra
The “Quiet Quitting” of MAGA Evangelicals
The Silent Exodus
Not all opposition is loud. Many evangelicals are “quietly quitting” Trumpism. They are disengaging from MAGA rhetoric without making a public spectacle. Pastors report congregants leaving churches over political divisions, while others avoid political sermons to keep the peace.
The Generational Shift
Younger evangelicals are rejecting the marriage of faith and partisan politics. A 2026 Pew survey found that support for Trump among white evangelicals dropped 7 points from its 2020 peak, with non-evangelical Protestants abandoning him in even greater numbers.
The Prophetic Call: What Comes Next?
Reclaiming the Gospel
The church’s credibility depends on rejecting political idolatry and recentering on Jesus’ teachings. Especially his teachings to command to love enemies, welcome strangers, and seek justice.
A New Evangelical Witness
Pastors like Otis Moss III and David Gibbons are modeling a different way: one that challenges power, uplifts the marginalized, and refuses to baptize partisanship.
Faith Over Fear
The evangelical opposition to Trump is not about partisanship. It is about faithfulness. As a pastor, I believe the church must repent of its political captivities and reclaim its prophetic voice.
The question is not “Are you for or against Trump?” The question is, “Are you for Jesus?”