Donald Trump created a faith office in the White House this term, led by the Rev. Paula White. Regarding Trump, she stated “I’ve seen his compassion when no one else is looking. I’ve seen his generosity when there was nothing to gain.” Trump spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. During his speech there, he said, “Religion is hotter than ever before. I’ve done more for religion than any other president.” It all sounds good — right?
I remember him standing in front of a church with a Bible in his hands during the crazy protest in D.C. when he lost his bid for a second term — acting as though all that was happening was OK.
Then at the recent prayer breakfast he said, “I don’t know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really don’t. I know we have some here today, and I don’t know why they’re here, because they certainly didn’t give us their vote.” Most recently, he has criticized Pope Leo for his comments about bombing civilian communities in Iran. He commented that religion and politics shouldn’t be combined.
Perhaps in his view, only Republicans are Christian. As president, he can combine religion and politics at a National Prayer Breakfast, but Pope Leo can’t. Has Trump done “more for religion than any other president” as he stated? You decide.
Charlotte Ruth Wieck
Newhall
