politics
April 18, 2026
War isn’t a ‘moral’ issue – at least not for the Trump administration
The US president’s grudge match with the pope underlines how religion really functions in American politics
TL;DR
- The article questions the trend of Christianity becoming 'cool' again, citing influencers and the unreliability of polls.
- It highlights the public spat between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, sparked by the Pope's remarks on war and 'delusion of omnipotence'.
- Trump and JD Vance responded to the Pope's statements, interpreting them as personal attacks and suggesting the Pope focus on 'matters of morality'.
- The author argues that for Republicans, 'morality' often translates to restricting abortion and banning gender-affirming care, while violence is not seen as a moral issue.
- The piece suggests that the Trump administration uses religion to legitimize their policies and military actions, presenting them as divinely blessed.
- It notes the cancellation of a federal contract with Catholic Charities in Miami, linking it to Trump's 'successful' immigration policies.
- The article concludes that religion is increasingly used in government as a shield or excuse, rather than promoting genuine acts of selflessness and community.