Donald Trump’s Near-Death Experience and His Journey of Faith: A Turning Point in His Campaign

Donald Trump’s faith journey reflects a complex interplay between personal belief, public perception, and political strategy. Raised in the Presbyterian tradition, Trump’s religious affiliation has evolved over time, particularly during his political career.

Early Religious Background

Trump was raised in his mother’s Presbyterian faith; his father was a Lutheran. He attended Sunday School and was confirmed in 1959 at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens. In 2015, he stated that he attended Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan, a Reformed Christian congregation; however, the church clarified that he was not an active member. In 2016, Trump identified himself as a Presbyterian and a Protestant.

Shift to Non-Denominational Christianity

In October 2020, Trump declared that he no longer identified as Presbyterian and was now a non-denominational Christian. This shift aligned him with a growing movement in American Protestantism that emphasizes a personal relationship with God over formal denominational ties.

Influence of Evangelical Figures

Throughout his political career, Trump has cultivated relationships with prominent evangelical leaders. Paula White, a televangelist, became his personal minister after he watched her television show; he first contacted White by telephone in 2002. She delivered the invocation prayer at Trump’s 2017 inauguration and joined the White House staff in 2019 to work on religious outreach issues.

Near-Death Experience and Renewed Religious Commitment

A pivotal moment in Trump’s faith journey occurred in July 2024, when he survived an assassination attempt at an election rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter’s bullet grazed his ear, and Trump later stated that he was “saved by God.” He reflected on this experience during a national prayer breakfast, saying, “It changed something in me. I feel even stronger. I believed in God but I feel much more strongly about it.”

Policy Initiatives Reflecting Religious Priorities

Following this renewed commitment, Trump announced measures to address what he described as “anti-Christian bias” in the U.S. government. He formed a task force led by Attorney-General Pam Bondi and established a presidential commission on religious liberty, as well as a White House faith office. These initiatives underscored his administration’s focus on religious issues.

Association with the New Apostolic Reformation

Trump’s intensified faith has been linked to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a fast-growing evangelical movement that promotes the supremacy of Christianity over other religions and seeks to place conservative Christians in key sectors of U.S. society. White-Cain, a long-time spiritual adviser to Trump, is associated with NAR, as is Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Public Perception and Support

Despite his evolving religious identity, public perception of Trump’s faith has been mixed. A survey during his first presidency showed that 63% of Americans did not believe he was religious, and only 44% believed he was a Christian. Nevertheless, he has maintained strong support among white evangelicals, who appreciate his anti-abortion rhetoric and policy initiatives favoring religious groups.

In summary, Donald Trump’s faith journey has been marked by significant transformations, influenced by personal experiences, relationships with religious leaders, and political considerations. His evolving religious identity continues to play a crucial role in shaping his public persona and policy priorities.

In July 2024, during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt that profoundly impacted his personal and spiritual life. The incident not only threatened his life but also served as a catalyst for a significant transformation in his faith.

Conclusion

The assassination attempt in July 2024 was a pivotal moment for Donald Trump, leading to a profound personal transformation. His journey of faith, catalyzed by this near-death experience, has significantly influenced his personal life and political endeavors, reflecting a renewed commitment to religious values in his public service.