Letters | Trump is using Christianity as a unifying symbol – to what end?

Readers discuss the pros and cons of invoking Christianity, an alarming trend in the US, lingering signs of the pandemic, and medical tourism to Hong Kong

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Donald Trump raises his hand as he waits to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States and Melania Trump holds the Bible in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington on January 20. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:30am, 23 Jan 2025

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Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the United States on Monday. His inauguration reveals how he is leaning on Christianity as a unifying symbol amid politically and socially challenging times in the US.

While phrases like “God bless America” are not new in US politics, given that the nation’s liberalism and democracy have informal yet historical roots in Christianity, it is striking that the five clergy, including two Christian pastors and two Catholic priests, were invited to offer the prayers of invocation and benediction at Trump’s second inauguration.

In his inaugural speech, Trump mentioned “God” when he spoke of “national unity” returning to the country, and how Americans “are one people, one family and one glorious nation under God”. At one point, he even said God had saved him from an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania so he could fulfil his mission to “make America great again”.

Whether or not Trump was saved by God remains a mystery. In the meantime, there is a widespread perception that liberalism and democracy are in crisis in the US.

Invoking Christianity may help foster a more cohesive and harmonious society. However, it can also be used as justification for every decision made by the government.