Why Trump is reading the Bible — at a complicated moment for his relationship with American Christians
Why Trump is reading the Bible — at a complicated moment for his relationship with American Christians
President Donald Trump’s recent engagement with the Bible has sparked both admiration and scrutiny, as he reads from the sacred text in a virtual appearance during the “America Reads the Bible” initiative. This weeklong event, organized by a Christian nonprofit, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and aims to highlight the nation’s spiritual roots. Over 500 participants, including Trump, his chief of staff Susie Wiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are reading passages from Genesis to Revelation. While some join in person at the Museum of the Bible, others, like the president, opt for digital readings. Trump’s contribution—a 2.5-minute segment from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22—will debut at the museum and online via the faith-focused Pure Flix streaming service Tuesday.
The chosen passage holds deep significance for American Christians, often cited as a rallying point by the religious right. It includes the verse: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, had saved this text for a political figure. She expressed hope that Trump would read it, stating in an interview with CNN, “I’ve just been praying with a small group of people, asking the Lord to move to allow our president to pray this prayer, the words of God that he would hear.”
“He’s so authentic and real, whether we like the things he says sometimes and the things we don’t like, that he wouldn’t have done it (participated in the scripture reading) if he didn’t believe it,” Pounds said.
However, Trump’s Bible reading occurs amid tensions with key Christian allies. His AI-generated post likening himself to Jesus Christ drew rare criticism, prompting him to remove it and explain it was a metaphor for his role as a “doctor” tied to the Red Cross. Meanwhile, his public clashes with Pope Leo XIV have intensified, with the president asserting he has no intention of apologizing over disagreements about the Iran war. This divide has fueled a growing trend among American fundamentalists and evangelicals, who increasingly view Trump as a “MAGA Jesus”—a symbol of their political and spiritual aspirations.
Despite his irregular church attendance and past criticisms for using the Bible as a photo-op, Trump’s actions this term suggest a deeper connection to religious ideals. His appointments of faith-based leaders across the White House and administration have led some to describe his approach as “tender and open towards the Lord.” Margaret Susan Thompson, a professor at Syracuse University, noted that the verse Trump recites is frequently interpreted by Evangelicals as a divine endorsement for national blessings. Pounds, leveraging her political network, extended the invitation to Trump through collaborations with the White House Faith Office, its senior adviser, and prominent figures like Paula White-Cain. She praised their “amazing partnership” in advancing the event’s mission.
