WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s latest cabinet selections are as notable for their religious diversity as their political significance. From pastors to Catholic converts and even a Hindu, Trump’s team showcases a spectrum of spiritual affiliations that mirrors the evolving religious landscape of the United States.
Among the nominees is hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, Trump’s pick for treasury secretary, whose religious identity breaks historical ground. If confirmed, Bessent would be the first French Huguenot to serve in such a role. As an active member of the French Protestant (Huguenot) Church of Charleston, South Carolina, Bessent represents a tradition that once fled persecution in 17th-century France and largely merged with other Protestant denominations in America.
“It’s an exciting honor for our fellow church member,” a church official said, emphasizing the historic nature of his nomination.
Bessent’s inclusion exemplifies the eclectic mix in Trump’s cabinet, which spans Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, Muslims, and those with spiritual journeys shaped by unconventional paths.
The Catholics of Trump’s Cabinet
Catholics are the most prominently represented group among Trump’s top-level nominees. Vice President-elect JD Vance, secretary of state nominee Sen. Marco Rubio, and others like Linda McMahon (education secretary), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (labor secretary), and Sean Duffy (transportation secretary) are all Catholic.
Notably, McMahon and Vance are Catholic converts, while Rubio’s faith journey is multifaceted. Raised Catholic, Rubio’s family briefly joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before returning to Catholicism. Rubio now splits his time between a Catholic church and a Southern Baptist megachurch in Florida, reflecting a fluid approach to faith.
Another Catholic figure is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, from one of America’s most iconic Catholic families, has spoken of his spiritual struggles, including his battle with addiction, which led him to explore the teachings of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung.
Protestants, Evangelicals, and Classical Christians
Protestants, long a cornerstone of American political life, remain well-represented in Trump’s picks. Scott Turner, Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas. Kristi Noem (Department of Homeland Security) and Susie Wiles (chief of staff) bring Episcopalian and Foursquare traditions, respectively, while Doug Burgum (secretary of the interior) cites his Methodist upbringing as a sustaining force in his life.
Pete Hegseth, nominated for secretary of defense, represents a more culturally assertive Protestantism. A military veteran and Fox News host, Hegseth is affiliated with a Reformed evangelical denomination and is outspoken about his belief in America as a “Christian nation.” He moved to Tennessee specifically so his children could attend a classical Christian school, emphasizing education grounded in biblical principles.
Religious Firsts: Hinduism, Islam, and Beyond
Some of Trump’s cabinet choices bring religious diversity rarely seen in U.S. politics. Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for director of national intelligence, would be the first Hindu in Trump’s administration. Gabbard, who took her congressional oath on the Bhagavad Gita, has been vocal about her Hindu faith, while also defending herself against accusations of Hindu nationalism.
Another unique addition is Mehmet Oz, a nominee for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Oz, a self-described “secular Muslim,” was influenced by Sufism in his youth and has blended spiritual traditions throughout his life.
Religious Complexity and Political Implications
While some nominees, like Chris Wright (energy secretary) and Pam Bondi (attorney general), have not disclosed clear religious affiliations, Trump’s cabinet overall reflects an unprecedented variety of faith backgrounds. This contrasts with his first term, which heavily leaned on evangelical Christian influence to shape policies such as the appointment of conservative justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.
Whether Trump’s second-term cabinet signals a broader approach to governance or simply a reshuffling of faith-based allegiances remains unclear. For now, his nominees represent a cross-section of American religious life, blending personal faith with public service in a way that could reshape the narrative of faith in politics.
As the nation awaits Senate confirmation hearings, Trump’s religiously diverse cabinet is already making waves, challenging stereotypes about the Republican Party and raising questions about the role of faith in American leadership.