- Question
Why do white evangelical Christians support Donald Trump?
In the 2016 US election, white evangelical Christians resoundingly voted for Donald Trump and were critical in his Presidential victory. Despite much of Trump's behaviour seen as an affront to "traditional values", 81% of evangelicals turned out to vote for him. Why?
Evangelicals do not support Donald Trump
This position challenges the premise of the question, holding that evangelical Christians do not, in fact, reliably support Donald Trump. It argues that many see his behaviour as an affront to traditional values, and that polling suggests evangelicals are increasingly losing trust in him.
White evangelicals back Trump because he privileges them in policy decisions
As Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, notes: Trump "confers privilege in exchange for constant loyalty at the ballot box, no matter what he does.” His stance on many key policy areas now reflects that of the Evangelical Christian lobby.
Donald Trump appeals to evangelical social insecurities
This position holds that Donald Trump appeals to the social insecurities of white evangelical Christians. Citing scholar Emma Long, it argues Trump hears evangelicals' fears, takes them seriously, and responds—exploiting their anxieties to win loyal support.