Trump reads Bible in Oval Office, seeks to regain Christian support

This week, President Donald Trump delivered a taped message from the Oval Office, reading from the Bible during a rightwing event titled "America Reads the Bible." The passage he selected from 2 Chronicles emphasizes humility and prayer, stating, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face... then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." This event featured a mix of Republican politicians and religious figures, including those known for their controversial views on LGBTQ+ issues.

Trump's Bible reading appears to be a strategic move to win back support from evangelical Christians, a demographic he has alienated in recent months due to various incidents, including a social media post depicting him as Jesus Christ and his criticisms of Pope Leo. Despite claiming the Bible as his favorite book, Trump's past comments and actions have raised questions about his sincerity, such as his inability to name a Bible verse during his 2016 campaign and his refusal to ask God for forgiveness.

The event was organized by Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, a group known for its strong Christian nationalist stance. The participation of figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has previously promoted anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives, suggests a consolidation of power among rightwing Christian groups. However, the skepticism from religious scholars indicates a potential backlash against Trump's attempts to leverage faith for political gain. Jemar Tisby, a historian, criticized the inconsistency of quoting the Bible while promoting exclusionary policies.

What to watch: The upcoming reactions from evangelical leaders and the impact on Trump's support base as the 2024 election approaches.