Trump allies prepare to infuse ‘Christian nationalism’ in second administration

February 20, 2024

Politico reports that an influential think tank close to Donald Trump is developing plans to infuse what they call “Christian nationalist ideas” in his administration should he be re-elected as president.

Trump’s former director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought, is said to be spearheading the effort. Vought is president of the Center for Renewing America and is also viewed as a potential Chief of Staff if Trump regains the White House.

According to Politico, Christian nationalists in America believe that this country was founded as a Christian nation and that Christian ideals should be prioritized throughout government and private life. As America grows less religious and more diverse, Vought and others believe that Christian values are under attack.

Politico says the documents it has obtained do not outline specific Christian Nationalist policies but that Vought has promoted what it calls restrictionist immigration policies. Meanwhile the Trump campaign has stated repeatedly that it alone is responsible for assembling a policy platform and its staffing.

Rachel Cauley is CRA’s communication director. Cauley stated “the so-called reporting from POLITICO in this story is false and we told them so on multiple occasions.”

Two years ago, in a Newsweek article, Vought is quoted as saying that America is a Christian nation “where our rights and duties are understood to have come from God.”

Vought further stated:

“It is a commitment to an institutional separation between church and state, but not the separation of Christianity from its influence on government and society.”

Vought believes such a framework, “can lead to beneficial outcomes for our own communities, as well as individuals of all faiths.”

Photo: Top, Credit: Francis Chung/Politico