Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: Which religious leaders and organizations have endorsed or criticized Trump?

Checked on July 19, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, religious leaders and organizations have shown divided responses to Trump, with clear patterns emerging along denominational and ideological lines.

Religious Leaders Who Have Endorsed or Supported Trump:

  • Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of the 14,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas, has been a prominent Trump ally who praised Trump's policies and "personally thanked President Trump" for outcomes related to church political endorsements [1] [2]
  • Cary Gordon, senior pastor and president at Cornerstone Church in Sioux City, Iowa, supported Trump's stance on the Johnson Amendment, calling it unconstitutional [1]
  • Conservative Christian leaders broadly have won Trump's support through his establishment of multiple faith-related entities, including the White House Faith Office and the Religious Liberty Commission [3]
  • White evangelical Protestants remain among Trump's strongest supporters, with 72% approving of his job performance [4]

Religious Leaders and Organizations Who Have Criticized Trump:

  • The United Church of Christ (UCC) has publicly criticized Trump's immigration policies, calling some ICE raids "domestic terrorism" and denouncing the "weaponization of the constitution" [5]
  • Rev. Shannon Fleck and other Christians have criticized Trump's faith-related actions, arguing they grant privileged status to politically conservative expressions of Christianity [3]
  • Some evangelical leaders have criticized Trump's immigration policies, creating divisions within the evangelical community [6]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements that emerge from the analyses:

  • Policy-specific divisions: Religious leaders' support or criticism often centers on specific policy areas rather than blanket endorsements. Immigration policy appears to be a particularly divisive issue among evangelical leaders [6]
  • International perspective: The analyses reveal that Christian leaders from around the world have mixed views on Trump's presidency, with some supporting his stance on religious freedom while others criticize his immigration policies and international affairs handling [7]
  • Denominational patterns: There's a clear pattern where conservative evangelical leaders tend to support Trump, while mainline Protestant denominations like the United Church of Christ are more critical [5] [4]
  • Progressive religious voices: Leaders like Pastor Jamal Bryant and Doug Pagitt from Vote Common Good represent progressive religious voices that may support Democratic candidates rather than Trump [1] [2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself appears neutral and factual in its framing, simply asking for information about religious endorsements and criticisms. However, there are potential areas where incomplete information could lead to misunderstanding:

  • The question doesn't specify a timeframe, which could lead to confusion about whether it refers to Trump's 2016 campaign, his presidency, or his current political activities
  • It doesn't distinguish between formal organizational endorsements versus individual leader statements, which represent different levels of institutional commitment
  • The question doesn't account for the evolving nature of religious leader positions, as some may have changed their views over time based on specific policies or events
  • There's no acknowledgment that religious support often varies by specific issue areas rather than representing wholesale endorsement or criticism of Trump as a candidate

The analyses suggest that religious leaders' positions are more nuanced and policy-specific than a simple endorsement/criticism binary would suggest, with significant variation even within traditionally supportive communities like white evangelicals.

Want to dive deeper?
Which Christian denominations have officially endorsed Trump?
How has the Catholic Church responded to Trump's policies?
What is the stance of prominent Muslim leaders on Trump's presidency?
Have any Jewish organizations officially endorsed or criticized Trump?
How has Trump's relationship with religious leaders evolved since the 2020 election?