Donald J. Trump’s Historic Comeback and the Hope for Religious Freedom

Donald J. Trump’s Historic Comeback and the Hope for Religious Freedom

In the early hours of Wednesday, Donald J. Trump completed what many are calling the greatest political comeback in modern U.S. history, securing enough electoral votes to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris and returning to the White House for a second term. His return to power comes at a time when expectations are high, especially among advocates and religious communities who view Trump as a staunch defender of religious freedom. Many see him as the candidate who will once again champion their causes and protect their rights to practice faith freely and without interference.

Trump’s first term included numerous policies and initiatives that emphasized religious freedom, both domestically and globally. His track record has instilled hope among many Americans that he will continue to support their rights and freedoms. Here’s a look at his past accomplishments that provide a foundation for these expectations, along with his recent commitments:

Past Achievements on Religious Freedom

During his first term from 2016 to 2020, Trump implemented several policies aimed at promoting religious freedom. His administration’s actions were seen as significant steps toward protecting religious institutions and upholding the rights of individuals to express and practice their faith:

1. Executive Order on Religious Liberty (2017): In a decisive move early in his presidency, Trump signed an executive order to protect religious freedom. This order instructed federal agencies to avoid interfering with religious organizations’ expressions of faith, providing a framework for faith-based groups to operate without fear of government reprisal.
2. Protection for Religious Organizations: Trump’s administration worked to protect the rights of religious organizations to uphold their beliefs, especially in areas such as hiring and healthcare. For example, his administration allowed religious employers an exemption from providing contraceptive coverage in health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), recognizing the importance of protecting religious values.
3. Conscience Protections in Health Care: In 2018, the Trump administration established the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This division was tasked with enforcing laws that protect healthcare providers from being compelled to perform procedures, like abortions, that conflict with their religious or moral convictions.
4. International Religious Freedom Initiatives: Trump’s administration prioritized religious freedom on the world stage. The U.S. hosted the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in 2018, drawing global attention to religious persecution. Additionally, the administration founded the International Religious Freedom Alliance to promote policies that protect religious minorities worldwide.
5. Appointment of Judges with a Record of Supporting Religious Freedom: Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—who were known for their originalist interpretations of the Constitution and their history of rulings supporting religious liberty. These justices have since participated in significant rulings that defend religious rights.
6. Religious Freedom in Education: Trump’s administration reaffirmed the right of students and teachers to express their faith in schools. In 2020, he introduced updated guidance to protect school prayer and religious expression, ensuring that schools receiving federal funds uphold these rights.
7. Sanctions for Religious Persecution: Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on foreign officials and entities involved in religious persecution.

These achievements were welcomed by many faith-based organizations and individuals who felt these policies protected their right to live out their beliefs.

Promises for Religious Freedom in the 2024 Campaign

During his 2024 campaign, Trump made it clear that religious freedom would remain a priority in his second term. His platform included several commitments that aimed to further strengthen religious rights:

1. Protection of Religious Institutions: Trump pledged to safeguard churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship from government overreach, advocating for the removal of policies he sees as restrictive to religious expression.
2. Defending First Amendment Rights: Trump emphasized his support for the First Amendment, highlighting religious freedom as a fundamental American right. He assured Americans that he would protect the rights of individuals, businesses, and religious institutions to freely express their beliefs.
3. Standing Against “Cancel Culture”: Trump has promised to oppose “cancel culture,” which he argues disproportionately affects religious communities and individuals with traditional values. He pledged to uphold Americans’ rights to express their faith-based views without fear of censorship or retribution.
4. Advancing Religious Freedom Abroad: Trump continued to highlight the need to protect religious minorities globally, such as persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Asia. He frequently referenced his administration’s past achievements in promoting international religious freedom and promised to expand these efforts.
5. Appointing Judges with a Focus on Religious Liberty: Trump pledged to continue appointing judges who respect religious rights, referencing his previous Supreme Court nominations as evidence of his commitment to judicial appointments that defend religious values.
6. Supporting Religious Rights in Education: Trump advocated for school choice and religious freedoms within educational settings, arguing that parents should have the right to ensure their children receive an education that aligns with their beliefs and values.

Renewed Hope and Expectations

With Trump’s return to the White House, advocates and preachers have renewed hope for a continued focus on religious freedom. His past achievements have set a high standard, and there is a strong belief that he will once again deliver on his promises to protect the rights of faith-based communities.

As he begins his second term, the world will be watching to see if he can uphold these commitments amid a complex political landscape. For many, this victory represents a significant opportunity for the preservation and expansion of religious liberties in the United States and beyond. With high expectations and a strong track record, Donald Trump’s second term has the potential to bring transformative change to the realm of religious freedom. May he fulfill these promises once again and continue to support the rights and freedoms of all to practice their faith freely.