On Easter morning, former President Donald Trump chose to amplify a controversial article that hailed him as “the chosen one,” purportedly sent by divine intervention. This piece, penned by conservative podcaster Wayne Allyn Root and featured in a Gateway Pundit column, emerged amid a cascade of posts from Trump, blending religious fervor with political messaging in a manner that captured the attention of both supporters and critics alike.
Root acknowledged that Trump had been compared to Adolf Hitler and the Ku Klux Klan. But the column said Trump’s poll numbers were “supernatural” and “biblical.”
“Do you believe in miracles? It’s time to start believing. What’s happening is supernatural. Everyone is starting to see it. Everyone is starting to believe. The signs are there. Trump is ‘the Chosen One.’ Trump is sent by God and blessed by God,” Root wrote. “What we are all witnessing is ‘The Trump Miracle.'”
Wayne Allyn Root’s column posed a provocative question to its readers: “Do you believe in miracles?” It went on to assert that Trump’s presidency was nothing short of miraculous, elevating him to a status akin to a biblical figure amidst the contemporary political landscape. Despite acknowledging the severe and polarizing comparisons drawn between Trump and historically infamous figures such as Adolf Hitler and the Ku Klux Klan, Root argued that Trump’s enduring popularity and ‘supernatural’ poll numbers were indicative of a broader, almost biblical narrative at play.
Amidst this backdrop of heightened rhetoric, Trump unveiled a new commercial venture, the “God Bless the USA Bible,” priced at $59.99. This special edition Bible was announced via Truth Social, Trump’s preferred platform for direct communication with his base, amidst the sacred observance of Holy Week. This strategic timing, aligning with the lead-up to Good Friday and Easter, was seen as a deliberate move to intertwine the spiritual significance of the period with a commercial offering.
Trump’s foray into marketing the Bible is part of a broader tapestry of ventures that leverage his brand, extending to sneakers, fragrances, and digital trading cards. These endeavors, often characterized by the use of his name and likeness under licensing agreements, underscore the intertwining of Trump’s personal brand with a wide array of products and services.
The website marketing the “God Bless the USA Bible” takes pains to distance the product from any political connotations or campaign affiliations. It clearly states that the use of Trump’s name and image is strictly under a commercial license, which is subject to termination or revocation. This disclaimer seems aimed at navigating the complex waters of religious reverence and commercial enterprise, highlighting the unique and often controversial blending of Trump’s political persona with broader cultural and spiritual themes.
This episode reflects the ongoing conversation around the intersection of politics, religion, and commerce in the United States. Trump’s Easter message, coupled with the launch of a themed Bible, brings to the forefront the nuanced and often contentious dialogue about the role of personal beliefs, political influence, and the commodification of religious symbols in the public sphere. As society grapples with these intersecting dynamics, the reactions to Trump’s actions serve as a barometer of the evolving landscape of American political and religious identity.
