Trump’s evangelical followers remain unswervingly devoted, even as he seemingly flouts the sacred Ten Commandments. As former President Donald Trump dominates the 2024 Republican polls by an astounding 51 percentage points, influential figures within his evangelical base in Iowa have erected ideological benchmarks, creating a fervent atmosphere akin to a cult, applicable not just in the primaries but for the broader electorate if Trump secures the GOP ticket.
The first of these “goalposts” emerged in mid-December, as reported by Reuters. Brad Sherman, an Iowa legislator and pastor, was quoted during a Trump prayer circle, proclaiming a divine victory for the nation due to what he perceives as a divine calling on Trump. Another zealous Iowa voter declared Trump to be “anointed by God.” However, the rift within this evangelical community is palpable, with long-time supporter Bob Vander Plaats now denouncing Trump as unfit for leadership, predicting a rising opposition in Iowa. This schism accentuates Trump’s controversial, enigmatic, and cult-like influence, surpassing the Republican Party itself.
Despite constituting only 14.5% of the population, Trump’s evangelical devotees wield disproportionate influence, constituting 28% of the electorate in 2020. The concentration of white evangelicals in critical swing states amplifies their impact, presenting a potential path for Trump to secure a second term.
In the complex web of evangelical politics, even the once-loyal Mike Pence is politically condemned, rejected by his evangelical base and labeled an enemy by Trump, especially after the events of January 6, 2021. The base now rationalizes or downplays the disturbing cries that day of “Hang Mike Pence!” — an unsettling contradiction given the biblical commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.”
We are facing a political and religious quandary, witnessing the clash between evangelical voters’ belief in God calling Trump to lead the nation and Trump’s apparent disregard for the sacred decalogue. A meticulous rundown against the Ten Commandments highlights Trump’s deviations, painting him as a figure often seen as “Orange Jesus” on Capitol Hill—a leader immune to wrongdoing and consistently above moral and legal norms.
With evangelical supporters displaying unwavering devotion, often blurring the lines between religious faith and political allegiance, Trump’s rallies showcase slogans like “Jesus is my savior, Trump is my president.”
On Election Day, these fervently devout followers will continue their tradition of national prayer circles, seeking divine intervention in their unwavering commitment to Trump, portraying a loyalty that transcends conventional political support and borders on the characteristics of a fervent cult.