American Catholics’ Skepticism Grows Towards Trump’s Leadership

A new poll indicates that American Catholics are becoming increasingly doubtful of President Donald Trump, especially as he relies on their support for his re-election efforts.

The Democracy Institute’s survey reveals that 57% of Catholics disapprove of Trump’s now-deleted social media posts which likened him to Jesus, while 36% believe it’s appropriate for him to criticize Pope Leo XIV. Additionally, a striking 70% of Catholics don’t buy Trump’s assertion that the deleted image shows a Red Cross doctor.

Trump had shared an AI-generated image depicting Jesus healing a sick man but took it down following backlash from Christian groups. He later claimed that he thought he was being portrayed as a doctor instead.

This change in sentiment marks a significant shift from the 2024 election polls, where about 22% of Trump voters identified as Catholic. A Washington Post exit poll in November 2024 even showed Trump maintaining an 18-point lead among this demographic.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump criticized Pope Leo, calling him “weak” on issues like foreign policy and crime. The Pope, on his end, condemned the Iran war as “unacceptable” and condemned Trump’s warning that Iran’s entire civilization could face destruction without a deal to end the conflict.

Pope Leo expressed, “As everyone knows, today there was such a threat against the entire Iranian people. This is truly unacceptable.”

Patrick Basham, the founding director of the Institute for Democracy, noted that many Christians view Trump’s representation of Jesus as “blasphemous” and sinful, which could complicate their ability to forgive him.

Basham remarked, “A cynic might say that Trump has been on a mission to offend various factions within his supporter base.” He continued, pointing out how Trump’s controversial posts have alienated both Evangelical and Catholic Republicans, groups vital for his previous electoral success.

The survey also indicated that only 45% of Catholics are hopeful for an end to the Iran conflict within two weeks. While Trump has insisted that his administration failed to secure a deal with Iran, he claims the war will be brief.

Pope Leo has stated he’s not interested in engaging in disputes with Trump and will maintain his calls for peace. Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic, expressed gratitude for the Pope’s messages while acknowledging the differences between the Vatican’s stance and that of the government.

Vance stated, “I am thankful to Pope Leo for his comments. While media often amplifies conflict, enduring disagreements exist. Yet, the reality is often more intricate.” He emphasized that the Pope’s advocacy aligns with moral principles, which both he and the administration are striving to implement amidst global chaos.

Notably, Trump was the only Catholic candidate on the presidential ballot, which likely bolstered Vance’s appeal among Catholic voters.

The Pope has also criticized the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies, deeming them “extremely disrespectful” and promoting the humane treatment of undocumented immigrants. In response, border officials invited the Pope to join them on board, addressing the backlash against their deportation strategies.