Experts are warning that the Trump administration’s appointment of white Christian nationalists and prosperity gospel advocates to key government positions could lead to weakening of government institutions and restrictions on free speech.
In February, Trump established an “anti-Christian bias” taskforce and White House Faith Office (WHFO), stating they would advise on policy changes and consult with experts about combating religious bias. Unlike similar initiatives under Obama and Biden that included diverse faith leaders, Trump’s appointments are exclusively Christian and predominantly right-wing, raising concerns that one interpretation of Christianity will be favored over other faiths and Christian denominations.
The WHFO is led by Paula White, a wealthy televangelist who has made controversial statements about Black Lives Matter and immigration. Other appointees include Jennifer Korn, previously with the National Faith Advisory Board, and Jackson Lane, who worked on Trump’s campaign faith outreach.
Katherine Stewart, author of a book examining what she calls the “antidemocratic movement,” predicts further dismantling of government institutions, abandonment of democratic principles, and corruption of justice systems. She believes the taskforce will suppress free speech and political opposition while directing public funds to religious institutions and introducing religious messaging in public spaces.
Trump recently appeared in photos being prayed over by white Christian nationalists in the Oval Office. These individuals typically oppose LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and racial equality efforts, while believing America should return to being a white Christian nation.
Kristin Kobes Du Mez, a professor at Calvin University, notes that Trump’s faith advisors represent a narrow segment of right-wing, predominantly white conservative Protestantism rather than America’s religious diversity.
The administration has also appointed figures like Russell Vought, a Project 2025 architect who openly advances Christian nationalism, to key positions such as White House budget director. Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary has drawn scrutiny for his tattoos allegedly displaying anti-Muslim sentiment and ties to Christian nationalist churches.
Recognize, we are emphasizing that regardless of whether officials self-identify as Christian nationalists, this movement is driving policy, with Trump’s administration favoring a specific authoritarian interpretation of Christianity rather than Christians generally.
