White Evangelicals Stand Firm Behind Trump as Approval Ratings Shift Among Other Religious Groups
In an intriguing turn of events, a recent poll from the Pew Research Center has shed light on the current political landscape, particularly regarding President Donald Trump’s approval ratings among various religious demographics. As Trump marks the first 100 days of his second term, the data reveals a significant divide in public opinion, especially among Christian groups.
The survey, conducted between April 7-13, gathered responses from 3,589 Americans, including a notable sample of 496 white Evangelical Protestants. The results indicate that while Trump enjoys overwhelming support from white Evangelicals, other religious groups express considerable skepticism about his presidency.
Among white Evangelical Protestants, Trump boasts an impressive approval rating of 72%. This demographic has consistently shown strong loyalty to the former president, a trend that continues to hold firm even as his overall approval rating stands at 40%. In stark contrast, the approval ratings among other Christian groups reveal a less favorable perspective. For example, both white non-Evangelical Protestants and white Catholics report a 51% approval rating, while the disapproval rates soar among black Protestants (85% disapproval) and Hispanic Catholics (73% disapproval).
What is particularly interesting is the divergence in opinions regarding specific policies. A majority of Christians (51%) support Trump’s cuts to federal departments and agencies, with a striking 75% approval from white Evangelicals. However, this support dwindles among other groups, with large majorities of Hispanic Catholics (65%), religiously unaffiliated voters (69%), and black Protestants (84%) expressing disapproval of these cuts.
In a move that has sparked debate, the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies have garnered mixed reactions. Overall, 50% of Christians approve of these actions, but white Evangelicals lead the charge with 75% approval, while a significant portion of black Protestants (80%) and religiously unaffiliated voters (65%) disapprove.
The survey also highlights concerns regarding Trump’s reliance on executive orders. A plurality of Christians (45%) believe he is overstepping, with only white Evangelicals (53%) feeling he is governing appropriately through this method. This divide suggests a growing unease among many Christians about the implications of executive power.
Interestingly, trust in Trump’s words compared to previous presidents paints a varied picture. While 57% of white Evangelicals trust Trump more, the general Christian population appears divided, with 39% trusting him less than prior leaders. This trust gap is even wider among black Protestants (65% distrust) and religiously unaffiliated voters (64% distrust).
Ethics and integrity are also hot topics, with white Evangelicals rating Trump administration officials positively (69% rating them as "excellent" or "good"). In contrast, majorities from other groups, including Hispanic Catholics (72%) and black Protestants (89%), view the ethics of these officials as poor or only fair.
This poll reflects a long-standing trend: white Evangelicals remain Trump’s most loyal supporters. Historical data from the Cooperative Election Study indicates that Trump’s support among white Evangelicals has increased over his three presidential campaigns, climbing from 78% in 2016 to a staggering 83% in the recent 2024 election.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the relationship between Trump and white Evangelicals remains robust, while other Christian groups express a growing distance. This dynamic could have significant implications for future elections and the broader conversation about faith and politics in America.
For a deeper understanding of the data and its implications, you can access the full report from the Pew Research Center.
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