Christian triumphalism in the Trump era

THE EDITOR, Madam:

When Donald Trump was elected president of the United States in 2016, American evangelist Franklin Graham declared: “Hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the United States have been praying. This year, they came out to every State Capitol to pray for this election and for the future of America. Prayer groups were started. Families prayed. Churches prayed. Then Christians went to the polls, and God showed up.”

These sentiments resurfaced at Trump’s second inauguration in the prayer led by Graham: “Father, when Donald Trump’s enemies thought he was down and out, you and you alone saved his life and raised him up with strength and power by your mighty hand.” This portrayal of Trump as a divinely anointed leader underscores a broader trend: the rise of Christian triumphalism.

Triumphalism, defined as excessive exultation over one’s successes, particularly in political contexts, has become a hallmark of Trump’s most ardent Christian supporters. Graham and others have offered full-throated endorsements of the president, often glossing over or rationalizing the worst aspects of his behaviour as mere “flaws” of a man chosen by God for a critical time. Such willingness to excuse behaviour that contradicts traditional Christian values was not extended to previous US presidents.

Even among some Jamaicans there’s a conviction that Trump is a divinely appointed vessel – the champion of conservative values and the defender of “righteousness” as they see it.

However, the irony remains striking: Trump’s persona and conduct are often the antithesis of the values espoused by Jesus in the New Testament. While his rhetoric may resonate with public religious conservatives, there is little in his actions that suggest a deep internalization of these principles. Instead, his statements frequently appear transactional, tailored to curry favour with a political-religious demographic rather than arising from genuine conviction.

This fusion of Christianity with conservative politics is not a novel phenomenon. What sets the current era apart, however, is the extent to which it borders on idolatry – a form of spiritual and political allegiance that elevates a flawed human leader to near-divine status. This movement has been fuelled by public figures who, under the guise of moral leadership, engage in partisan cheerleading.

During the Civil Rights Movement there were Christians who justified spitting on black children as they integrated white schools, assaulting black teenagers at segregated lunch counters, and defending systemic racial oppression. These actions were carried out in defiance of justice and righteousness, often under a veneer of moral authority.

Christian triumphalism in defence of a political party or individual is a distortion of biblical faith. The triumphalist spirit currently on display may dominate for a time, but it will not last.

JOHN READER