An unsteady alliance: Donald Trump and the religious right
The Hindu
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for 2024, embodies contradictions, appealing to white evangelical Christians despite his controversial past.
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee for 2024, presents a concatenation of contradictions. His transition from New York businessman to the President of the United States, from a thrice-married TV celebrity to the poster child for white evangelical Christians, came as a surprise to many.
Mr. Trump was convicted last month by a New York court on 34 felony counts in a trial involving hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He was found to be liable for the sexual abuse of a New York woman in 1996. In 2016, Mr. Trump was also the only GOP candidate with a history of casino ventures and two divorces, as well as allegations of sexual misconduct — one of them affirmed by a civil court verdict.
To a bystander, his actions may seem incongruous with the norms of Christianity. Indeed, of late, his reluctance to take a hardline stance on abortion and some support for Kamala Harris among Evangelicals may be challenging his sway. A recent poll by EWTN News/RealClear Opinion Research revealed that the vice president was polling ahead with Catholics, a key denomination of Christians. While Mr. Trump is being supported by 42.7% of Catholics, Ms. Harris is seven points ahead, at 50.1% support.
However, he still maintains the lead among white evangelical Christians in America. According to a Pew Research Center poll in February 2024, two-thirds of white evangelical Christians had a favourable opinion of Mr. Trump; a Reuters/Ipsos poll in September 2023 showed that he beat out Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis among this section of the public.
Several of the issues which are foremost for the Christian right— bans on abortion, curbing of LGBTQ+ rights, and protection of the traditional family structure— have found resonance in policies rolled out during the Trump years.
We look at the extent of and causes for support for Mr. Trump among the Christian right, and broadly look at how the Republican party has been intertwined with religious causes. How has the “faith, freedom and family” narrative affected American politics?
Also read: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump face off in final TV debate as America awaits next twist
Iran's judiciary plans swift trials and executions for protesters, defying Trump's warnings of potential military action.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian border regions result in two deaths and several injuries, according to local authorities.
Russia detains top doctors after nine newborns die at a Siberian hospital, sparking national outrage over medical negligence.
Pakistan partners with World Liberty Financial to integrate a dollar-linked stablecoin into its digital payment system.
Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington as locals say Greenland is not for sale
U.S. Vice-President Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials amid local resistance to Greenland's potential sale to the U.S.
Toby Kiers wins the Tyler Prize for her groundbreaking research on vital underground fungal networks and their ecological significance.
Syrian Army and Kurdish forces clash in eastern Aleppo, escalating tensions amid stalled negotiations over military integration.
South Korea's President Lee orders review to potentially restore the 2018 military pact with North Korea aimed at reducing tensions.
Claudette Colvin, a civil rights pioneer, has died at 86, remembered for her courageous stand against segregation in 1955.
Iraqi officials arrest Kazem Hamad, an Australian national security threat linked to arson attacks, following a police investigation.
U.S. confirms release of multiple detained Americans in Venezuela following Maduro's capture, signaling a potential shift in relations.
Iran protest updates: Death toll from crackdown on protests in Iran jumps to at least 2,571, activists say. Follow The Hindu for LIVE updates
Trump gestures at a critic during a Ford plant visit, prompting embarrassment from Ford's chairman amid election campaign efforts.