Trump, Carlson, and the Battle for the Evangelical Soul |
Is Donald Trump the Christ or the Antichrist? In recent months, there has been a stream of hidden symbolic religious messaging coming from the White House and the Trump Administration, depicting the war with Iran as a holy war while President Donald Trump is the Messiah. This campaign was answered by Tucker Carlson, a MAGA influencer who turned against Trump, who argued that President Trump is actually the antichrist, a satanic figure.
The war fought jointly with Israel against Iran lifted strong religious expectations. For years, evangelical pastors have been arguing against Iran and raising speculations about the nearing of the End Times. It seems that the Trump administration is elevating these popular sentiments.
Thus, after the first attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump delivered a speech to the nation. He concluded his remarks with these words: “I want to just thank everybody. And, in particular, God. I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel and God bless America.” By invoking God, Trump elevated the military action beyond simple geopolitics, framing it as a fight against evil or a divinely guided mission. God gave success to America, and God continues to bless America.
In the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth started a monthly Christian worship series. During the April 2026 service, Hegseth recited a prayer........