America’s king: A biblical perspective on Trump’s presidency

Donald John Trump, businessman, media personality, and in recent times, politician, will be installed as the 47th president of the United States of America on Monday, January 20, 2025.

His spectacular return to the White House casts him as the archetypal ‘comeback kid’. Lesser mortals would not survive the moral and legal obstacles that Mr. Trump surmounted to be where he so much desired to be – President of the most powerful, richest country on planet Earth.

The 2024 U.S. presidential election that resulted in Donald Trump’s victory has left many bewildered. From a biblical perspective, this outcome mirrors the Israelites’ demand for a king in 1 Samuel 8. ‘Now make us a king to judge us like other nations’ they demanded despite Prophet Samuel’s warnings. Similarly –and regrettably too – American Christians sought a leader ‘like other nations’, thereby prioritising worldly power over spiritual revival.

On the one hand, Trump’s strongman archetype appealed to some Americans, on the other hand, others saw Vice President Kamala Harris as less capable of leading alongside global strongmen. Harris’ campaign focused on optimism and energy, with endorsements from influential figures like Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.  On his part, Trump’s campaign emphasized border security and economic growth. The outcome of this election prompts a reflection on America’s values and priorities.

Within the Christendom, not a few here and abroad see Trump’s victory in Biblical context: a parallel between ancient Israel and modern America in the prioritising of worldly power over spiritual guidance. The Holy Book contains enough warning against choosing earthly leadership over divine guidance.

The question may be asked, justifiably; why single Trump out for this comparison? Within the Christian community, some people believe that Trump’s presidency has parallels with ancient Israel’s prioritisation of worldly power over spiritual guidance. This perspective suggests that, just as ancient Israel was warned against choosing earthly leadership over divine guidance, modern America is facing a similar dilemma.

Some Christian leaders, like Prophetess Celeste of the Master Voice Prophecy Blog, have issued prophetic warnings about the dangers of idolising Trump as a leader, similar to King Cyrus, who liberated the Jews from the Babylonian Empire.

According to Prophetess Celeste, God’s response to these prayers was not to anoint Trump as a savior, but to strengthen him as a means of punishment and discipline for the American Christian Church. This perspective argues that the Church’s focus on seeking a worldly leader rather than repenting and turning to Jesus Christ has led to a form of idolatry.

By prioritising worldly power over spiritual guidance, the Church is neglecting its core values and principles. It’s essential to note that not everyone shares this perspective, and some biblical scholars argue that linking Trump’s presidency to biblical prophecy is a misinterpretation of scripture. However, for those who hold this view, Trump’s presidency serves as a warning and a call to repentance for the American Christian Church. Ultimately, this perspective highlights the importance of prioritising spiritual guidance over worldly power and the need for the Church to refocus on its core values and principles.

The parallels between Israel and America are striking. It is pertinent to interrogate the enthronement of Trump in the face of America’s official motto ‘In God We Trust’, its  … ‘…one nation under God…’ national pledge, even the reason the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ left England for the New World.

Just as the Israelites requested a king ‘like all the nations’, American Christians sought a leader similar, by their mere human understanding, to (or perhaps who can stand up to) Russia’s and China’s ‘strongmen’, this despite Prophet Samuel’s itemised caution about the consequences of a monarchy. As far as democracy goes, the people spoke in America’s 2024 presidential election to give 312 of 538 electoral votes and more than 77 million (49.8%)  of about 152 million popular votes.  By electing Trump, America has demonstrably repudiated national motto, it’s a portion of its national pledge, and in sum opted for the kingship of man instead of the kingship of God.

Key parallels alluded to above include (a) desire for strong leadership whereby both the Israelites and American Christians yearned for strong leaders, disregarding the potential consequences as clearly pointed out to the Israelites (b) disregard for words of caution from Prophet Samuel. The last judge over Israel warned about the oppressive ways of kings: ‘You will be his servants and you will cry out in that day’. Similarly, American Christians overlooked Trump’s controversial plans outlined in Project 2025 (c) persistence in Desire by which is meant that, despite reservations, both the Israelites and today’s Americans have persisted in their desire for strong human leadership.

What is Project 2025? It is a comprehensive plan initiated by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, to reshape the federal government and promote conservative policies. The project aims to provide a roadmap for a potential Republican administration, with a focus on consolidating executive power, advancing conservative values, and restructuring the federal government.

Despite reservations from some Christian leaders due to Trump’s perceived “corrupted and ungodly values and lifestyle,” many Christian groups and ultra-rich individuals continued to support him, driven by a desire for strong human leadership. This persistent desire for strong leadership is rooted in the belief that a powerful leader can bring about significant change and protect American interests. Critics argue however that Project 2025’s true intention is to strengthen and expand the international oligarchy, which has already taken hold in countries like Russia and China. This raises concerns about the concentration of power and the erosion of democratic values.

Some of the key aspects of Project 2025 are:
Consolidating Executive Power. The project proposes reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers as political appointees, allowing the president to replace them with loyalists. This would significantly increase the president’s control over the executive branch.

Promoting Conservative Values. Project 2025 aims to infuse the government and society with conservative Christian values, including the promotion of Christian nationalism. This raises concerns about the separation of church and state and the potential for discrimination against minority groups.

Economic Reform. The project proposes radical economic reforms, including abolishing the Federal Reserve, implementing a gold standard, and reducing corporate tax rates. These reforms could have significant impacts on the economy, potentially benefiting large corporations and wealthy individuals at the expense of low- and middle-income Americans.

Social Policy. Project 2025 recommends restrictive social policies, such as limiting access to abortion and contraception, and promoting traditional family values. These policies could have significant impacts on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the well-being of marginalised communities.

Overall, Project 2025 represents a significant shift in American politics, with far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic institutions, social policies, and economic systems. While proponents argue that the project will restore American greatness and promote conservative values, critics warn that it could lead to authoritarianism, inequality, and social injustice.

The parallels between Israel and America serve as a reminder to critically evaluate leadership choices, listen to cautionary advice, and to balance the desire for strong leadership with values that agree with the Spirit-led values.

The United States of America is guilty of foundational sins, such as the atrocities of the human slave trade and the genocidal actions against Native Americans. These injustices are rooted in the dehumanization of persons created in God’s image, reducing them to mere commodities and labeling them as sub-human savages.

The nation’s refusal to repent and atone for these- and others ungodly acts- sustains a persistent ethos that continues to manifest in society today, including, regrettably, the mindset that, in a way, drives the enthronement of Mr. Trump. Instead of acknowledging and making amends for these wrongs, the country has marginalised their lingering impact, allowing them to remain deeply ingrained in American life.

The 2024 presidential election that saw Donald Trump secure over 300 electoral votes and more than 77 million popular votes, revealed America’s core values and its relationship with God. This result underscores the nation’s resistance to change and a willingness to perpetuate harmful ideologies not quite in line with God’s principle and purpose for the human race as spiritual equal in His eyes. This election continues the tradition of the U.S. electing leaders who empower white supremacist groups, who are in rebellion against God’s principles. The refusal to repent and make atonement has led to God’s judgment, not only for the initial sins, but for the nation’s stubborn resistance to acknowledging its wrongdoing.

Three key factors hindering repentance. The first is a lack of conviction. America’s sense of self-sufficiency and pride hinders genuine repentance, leading to a failure to recognize the gravity of past sins. The second is a misunderstanding of repentance. True repentance involves heartfelt conviction of the necessity for it, contrition, and a firm turning away from sinfulness. This is far beyond having a superficial rethink. Third is idolatry: A refusal to repent places personal desires above God’s glory, leading thereby to the belief in ungodly, personally and socially harmful ideologies.

In the face of the unhappy spiritual condition that America finds itself now, it is pertinent and wise to ask: what is the right thing to do, the way forward to a nation acceptable and pleasing to God?

To move toward healing and restoration, America must, yes must, take certain steps. It must acknowledge its ‘foundational sins’. This requires that it admits the atrocities committed against Native Americans and African Americans. It must seek forgiveness by engaging in heartfelt repentance, seeking both God’s and victims’ forgiveness.

Furthermore, America must foster the education on and awareness among its citizens these and associated issues especially an open-minded reading and understanding of the nation’s complex history. Ultimately, genuine repentance demands collective commitment to justice, equality, and the inherent worth of the human person regardless of race, creed, or colour.

God’s sovereignty and human free will are intertwined concepts that can be challenging to grasp. In the context of America’s 2024 presidential election, it is important to recognise that God’s sovereignty allowed the nation to choose its leader, much like Israel’s request for a king despite Prophet Samuel’s detailed caution.

On the one hand, God’s sovereignty implies His ultimate control over all events, including the rise and fall of nations and leaders. This sovereignty is not limited by human decisions or actions. In America’s case, God permitted the election of a Donald Trump reflecting the nation’s desires and values, in the people’s exercise of their collective freewill.

On the other hand human free will enables individuals to make choices that align with or contradict God’s will. But the road taken or not taken leads to an outcome – for good or for ill. America’s latest choice of its leader demonstrates this free will, yet it doesn’t negate God’s sovereignty or impending judgment for the nation’s sins that now implicitly include the rejection of God.

To reject God and His authority bears severe consequences. Romans 1:18-19 and 3:10-18 elaborate on the wrath of God revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness. These consequences include comprehensive corruption whereby sin corrupts humanity’s character, utterance, and conduct.  Lack of the fear of God leads to rebellion and wretchedness. Inevitably, God’s judgment awaits those who violate His principles, suppress truth, and in sum, reject Him.

God has expectations of Man, especially persons and nations elevated to leadership positions.  God expects, particularly from His Church which is light and salt to the world, repentance (‘let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts, Is. 55:7) and humility. Not false humility but humility anchored upon ‘the fear of the Lord’ (Prov22:4). Alas, many Americans chose Trump as their savior and king, mirroring Israel’s desire for a strong leader despite Prophet Samuel’s warnings.

These are times for deep reflection. To reflect upon God’s sovereignty and human free will provides clarity and guidance. An understanding of God’s sovereignty and human free will encourages believers to, first, recognize God’s ultimate control, second, acknowledge human responsibility, and third, seek repentance and humility. God, in His sovereignty, has granted America’s request, like He did for Israel. However, this will not obviate His judgment against America’s sins, rebellion, corruption, and perversion.

God desires that America, particularly His Church, indeed all Mankind, reconcile with Him through repentance and humility. Unfortunately, a majority of voting Americans have chosen to put their trust in the man Trump as their king and ‘savior’. The Psalmist warns man: ‘put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help…’ (Ps. 146:3) It is as if America’s Christians have not sufficiently read, studied, pondered, and understood the Scriptures.

America’s decision to elect Donald Trump as president signifies a preference for human solutions over divine guidance and protection. Put differently, by selecting Trump, America essentially chose the illusion of security by human capability, rather than trust in God’s sovereignty, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. This decision embodies the idea of “mocking God,” whereby individuals prioritize their desires over divine guidance.

Mocking God isn’t limited to verbal disrespect but also encompasses living contemptuously, disregarding God’s principles and laid down tenets, and living a life of hypocrisy. America’s leadership choice reflects humanity’s free will, which God, having granted it, respects it. But this does not diminish the impending judgment for America’s sins and rebellion.

‘Mocking God’ manifests in various ways. One is to live in contempt, disregarding God’s wishes for our lives. This is exemplified by selfish desires and actions that are contrary to the intent and content of the Holy Spirit. The second is a life of selfishness that prioritizes personal interests over communal well-being and beyond that over God’s prescriptions. This is contrary to the relational nature of the Spirit. The third is self-deception:   asserting one thing but manifesting another, exemplifying thereby an embodiment of hypocrisy and duplicity. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato suggests that the worst of all deceptions is self-deception. This ‘destroys us most effectively’ says George Eliot, English author of the Victorian Age. The Church’s response to these three unspiritual, or shall I say ‘anti-Spirit’ ways of life is crucial.

Instead of contrition and repentance, many Christians fervently pray for Trump, revealing thus their misplaced their priorities and a lack of confidence in the leadership of God in the affairs of their nation. Jesus promised to build His Church despite opposition from the Kingdom of Darkness. By casting its concerns and anxieties upon Trump, the Church demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. But Galatians 6:7 cautions, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.”

Awareness of the severity of mocking God encourages believers to examine their actions and align them with their professions of faith. God is good all the time; He desires only good for America and all of Mankind. He will change his determined course of act if so persuaded. But we must demonstrate enough contrition and humility to convince Him.

Biblical precedents demonstrate God’s willingness to change His mind or modify His words in response to human actions. Notable examples include Nineveh’s repentance and King Hezekiah’s prayer. Both events prove the power of prayer and repentance to alter God’s judgments.

Other examples abound that God changes His mind. Abraham’s intercession to spare Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates God’s willingness to consider human pleas. Abraham’s persistence led God to agree to spare the cities if just ten righteous people could be found (Genesis 18:23-32). The swift repentance of the people of Nineveh in response to Jonah’s warning led God to relent from destroying the city (Jonah 3:10). Hezekiah’s fervent prayer moved God to extend his life by 15 years, demonstrates the impact of prayer on God’s decisions (2 Kings 20:1-6).
America’s situation may however be different from these ancient examples because God’s judgment is potentially already in motion. The Church’s response has not helped matters. Instead of it to focus on seeking God’s mercy, beseeching Him for forgiveness, and weeping on behalf of the nation for its sins and rebelliousness, American Christians  have encouraged  a position opposed to Godliness, and even God.

Abraham’s act of intercession reveals two valuable lessons namely:  compassion for others and the importance of Prayer.  Abraham’s concern for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates the importance of compassion and empathy.  His prayers on behalf of others emphasise the significance and power of intercession in influencing God’s decisions.

These precedents and their import is that, even in His majestic omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience, God’s judgments are not absolute and can be altered through genuine repentance, prayer, and compassion.

Pastor Jeremiah Johnson’s experience serves as a caution against blindly following prophetic voices. Indeed, it may not be the voice of the God that one hears. Satan has immense powers to deceive even genuine men of God. Both Jesus in the Gospel of Mathew, and Paul in 2 Timothy warn against false teachers, false prophets and false workers of miracles.

Initially prophesying Trump’s reelection, he later recanted, acknowledging his mistake. However, instead of seeking God’s guidance and mercy, Johnson’s actions reflected a prioritization of worldly power over divine guidance.

Megbolugbe, 2024 Marquis Organisation’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America, is the director of GIVA Ministries International.