Some people believe that Donald Trump is a Christian because he prays. They know he prays because they have seen him “praying” on TV. However, if you pay close attention, Donald never actually says the prayer, he gets publically “prayed over” by various evangelical preachers.
Also, the fact that he is usually filmed during these “prayer services” is the first sign that he is not a good Christian.
Here is what Jesus said about this:
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
What is Trump’s “reward” for these phony, public “prayers”? He gets his followers to believe that he is a “good Christian” without actually having to help the poor and needy, or love his fellow humans, or be kind to anyone. Most especially, he doesn’t have to repent of anything or work to become a better person.
Performative Christianity
This type of “Christianity,” that is more concerned with good optics than with good behavior, is know as “Performative Christianity.” It is very common. It is the hypocritical act of claiming to be a Christian, and publically going through some of the ceremonial motions of Christianity, without actually behaving like a Christian.
Performative Christianity is especially popular with politicians and televangelists. They, especially the “preachers,” should know better. Jesus was especially critical of people like them.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Damnation or repentance?
Will there be “greater damnation” for folks like DJ Trump, JD Vance, and Mike Johnson? Well, that’s what the New Testament says. The number of people these three have harmed and the amount of damage they have done – while piously pretending to be followers of Jesus – is overwhelming.
Of course, Christians believe that a sinner can repent of their sins. Here is what the Donald has said about that possibility:
I’m not sure I have ever asked God’s forgiveness. I don’t bring God into that picture.
-Donald J. Trump
Narcissism
Donald Trump, who has never in his life gotten on his knees and humbly asked God to guide him, loves these “prayer circles” and “prayer services” because he is always at the center of attention. These prayers are always for and about Trump. For a narcissist like Trump, being “prayed over” makes him feel like he is being worshipped!
Actually, many people DO seem to worship Trump. Trump’s so-called “spiritual advisor,” the televangelist Paula White-Cain, has compared Trump to Jesus Christ. (Isn’t that blaspheme?)
It is important to note that Trumpist prayer groups never pray for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, or the schoolkids killed in Iran, or the Americans without jobs, or the children currently suffering with the measles. Why is that?
Evil fruits
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
What are Donald Trump’s “fruits?” If you have not been paying attention, here is a partial list:
Illegal tariffs, Illegal and extra-judicial killings, firing thousands of Federal employees without cause or due process, partisan gerrymandering, making it harder to vote, building concentration camps, creating a lawless and anonymous private army of bullies, multiple violations of the Constitution, decimating government disease tracking and control organizations, cronyism, nepotism, racism, insider trading and other forms of financial corruption, elimination of environmental protections, supporting dictators, mistreating former allies, protecting pedophiles, and losing a war that he started.
Since a corrupt tree “cannot bring forth good fruit” how can ANY Christian support this man?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Sources:
Ray Nothstine, “Donald Trump: ‘I’m not sure if I ever asked God for forgiveness’, The Christian Post, July 20, 2015.
– “President Trump’s worst offenses“, CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington), October 19, 2020.
Harry Cockburn, “Trump’s spiritual advisor sparks backlash for comparing president’s life to Jesus Christ,” The Independent, April 3, 2026.