Published on: Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:57:41 GMT
Original Story: Trump to release reading of scripture days after angering many Christians – Politico

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Trump’s Holy Pivot: Convenient, Isn’t It?

By Beatrice Weber, Editor-in-Chief

So, Donald Trump, fresh off of alienating a significant portion of the evangelical base with his… let’s just say *nuanced* stance on abortion (more on that later), is now planning to release a reading of scripture. Yes, that Donald Trump. The one who probably can’t name all twelve apostles without Googling it. The timing, as they say, is impeccable. Or, you know, transparently desperate.

Damage Control: Activated!

According to Politico, this performative act of piety is aimed squarely at placating the religious right, who are, shall we say, less than thrilled with his recent comments about leaving abortion rights to the states. Because apparently, after years of promising to overturn Roe v. Wade, he’s suddenly discovered the joys of federalism. Groundbreaking stuff, really. It’s almost like he’s never heard of the Tenth Amendment until his poll numbers started to dip.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about faith. This is about votes. This is about shoring up a base that’s starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe, they were bamboozled. And who can blame them? Trump’s relationship with religion has always been… transactional, at best. Remember that time he couldn’t name his favorite Bible verse? Good times.

A History of Hypocrisy (or Just Really Bad Memory?)

Now, let’s rewind a bit. It wasn’t that long ago—specifically, during the 2016 campaign—that Trump was practically shouting from the rooftops about appointing Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He promised, he swore, he even made pinky promises (probably). He positioned himself as the ultimate champion of the pro-life movement. And now? Now he’s all about states’ rights. It’s a stunning display of political agility, if you can call blatant flip-flopping “agile.” I prefer the term “opportunistic.”

And let’s not forget the Access Hollywood tape. The multiple divorces. The general air of… well, let’s just say he doesn’t exactly project the image of a devout man. But hey, who are we to judge? (Actually, as journalists, judging is kind of our job. So, judge away!)

The Abortion “Clarification”: A Disaster

Trump’s recent statement on abortion—or rather, his attempt to clarify his position—has been nothing short of a PR disaster. He essentially punted the issue to the states, saying it’s up to them to decide. Which, on the surface, sounds reasonable. But for the religious right, it’s a betrayal of epic proportions. They wanted a federal ban. They wanted a national mandate. They wanted Trump to be the savior who would finally rid the country of the scourge of abortion. And instead, they got… nothing. Well, not nothing. They got a scripture reading. Which, I’m sure, will totally make up for it.

Seriously, though, imagine being a devout evangelical who has spent years praying for the end of abortion, only to hear Trump say, “Eh, let the states handle it.” It’s like ordering a steak and getting a bowl of lukewarm gazpacho. Disappointing, to say the least.

Is Anyone Buying It?

The million-dollar question is: will this scripture reading actually work? Will it convince the evangelical base that Trump is still their guy? Will it erase the memory of his abortion “clarification”? My guess? Probably not. The religious right isn’t stupid. They know a Hail Mary when they see one. And this is a Hail Mary of biblical proportions (pun intended).

Of course, some will fall in line. Some will convince themselves that Trump is still the best option, despite his flaws. Some will simply hold their noses and vote for him anyway, because the alternative is even worse (according to them). But I suspect that a significant portion of the evangelical base will be… disillusioned. And disillusioned voters tend to stay home on election day. Which is not exactly what Trump needs right now.

Snarky Takeaway

So, what’s the takeaway here? Simple: Donald Trump is a master of political expediency. He will say whatever he needs to say, do whatever he needs to do, to get elected. And if that means reading scripture one day after alienating the religious right, then so be it. Just don’t expect him to actually believe a word of it. After all, consistency has never been his strong suit. Unless, of course, you’re talking about his consistency in prioritizing his own self-interest. Now that’s a belief system he adheres to religiously.

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