Few Trump Supporters View Him as Very Religious

When I first saw the headline that Americans are increasingly questioning how religious Donald Trump really is, my initial reaction wasn’t surprise but recognition of a slow-burning shift I’ve watched unfold in communities across the country, including right here in Minneapolis. The data point that stuck with me wasn’t just the national trend—it was the specific detail that only 5% of White evangelicals now describe Trump as “very religious.” That figure, starkly low for a group long considered his bedrock of support, made me think about conversations I’ve overheard at coffee shops near Lake Harriet, debates at the Minneapolis Central Library forums and even the quieter, more personal discussions happening in living rooms from Northeast to St. Anthony Park. This isn’t merely about polling numbers; it reflects a deeper, evolving conversation about faith, authenticity, and political identity that’s playing out in real time across our neighborhoods.

Looking at the broader context from the Pew Research Center survey conducted in January 2026, we see that while White evangelicals remain among Trump’s strongest supporters—with 69% approving of his job performance and 58% backing most of his policies—their confidence in his ethical conduct has notably softened. Only 40% say they are “extremely or very confident” Trump acts ethically in office. This represents a meaningful change from the fervent early days of his second term, mirroring a broader national unease but manifesting distinctly within faith communities that once spoke with near-unanimous voice. What’s particularly noteworthy for Minneapolis residents is how this national trend intersects with our local religious landscape. Minneapolis hosts a vibrant, diverse array of faith communities—from the historic Basilica of Saint Mary anchoring the Hennepin Avenue corridor to the numerous Lutheran, Catholic, and non-denominational congregations that dot neighborhoods like Longfellow and Powderhorn. These institutions aren’t just places of worship; they’re hubs where theological reflection meets civic engagement, making them natural crucibles for discussions about how political leadership aligns—or doesn’t—with professed religious values.

The hesitation among White evangelicals to label Trump as “very religious” opens up space for nuanced conversations that weren’t as common just a year or two ago. In Minneapolis, this dialogue is happening in specific, tangible ways. At Augsburg University, religion professors are incorporating these shifts into courses on Christianity and public life, examining how theological concepts like prophetic witness or civic responsibility are being interpreted—or reinterpreted—in the current political climate. Similarly, the Minnesota Council of Churches, headquartered in Minneapolis, has facilitated interfaith dialogues where participants explore questions of moral leadership and authenticity, drawing on resources from their public theology initiatives. Even locally, pastors at congregations like Westminster Presbyterian Church near Nicollet Mall have addressed these themes in sermons, encouraging congregants to consider what qualities they believe embody religious integrity in public office, without endorsing or opposing any specific politician. These aren’t abstract academic exercises; they reflect a genuine, community-based reckoning with how faith informs political judgment in a pluralistic society.

This evolving perspective also carries potential second-order effects worth considering for Minneapolis residents. As religious communities engage more critically with questions of political authenticity, we might see increased interest in spaces that foster thoughtful discourse—whether that’s attending lectures at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs on religion and democracy, joining discussion groups at Hosmer Library focused on faith in the public square, or supporting local journalism that covers these intersections with nuance. The trend could also encourage greater collaboration between traditionally siloed sectors; for example, partnerships between social service organizations affiliated with faith groups and secular nonprofits working on issues like housing affordability or racial justice, motivated by shared values rather than partisan alignment. For individuals navigating these questions personally, it underscores the value of seeking out local spaces where complex topics can be explored with both intellectual rigor and pastoral sensitivity—a need that becomes especially pronounced when national narratives experience reductive or polarizing.

Given my background in analyzing how national political and religious trends manifest at the community level, if this conversation about faith and political authenticity feels relevant to your life in Minneapolis, here are three types of local professionals you might consider connecting with—not for partisan guidance, but for thoughtful support in navigating these intersecting realms:

• Look for faith-based community organizers who work with established local institutions like IsaiahMN or the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. These professionals specialize in facilitating cross-cultural and interfaith dialogues focused on shared values and public life, helping participants explore how their beliefs inform civic engagement without promoting a specific political agenda. Key criteria include demonstrated experience facilitating difficult conversations, clear neutrality regarding partisan outcomes, and deep roots in Minneapolis-specific faith communities.
• Consider seeking out local theologians or ethicists affiliated with Minneapolis-area seminaries or universities, such as faculty from Luther Seminary or the Saint John’s University School of Theology·Seminary. These individuals can offer historically grounded perspectives on how religious traditions have historically engaged with questions of political leadership and moral authority. When evaluating them, prioritize those with published work in public theology or religious ethics, active involvement in local interfaith initiatives, and a commitment to making complex ideas accessible to lay audiences.
• Explore connections with civic dialogue facilitators who operate through venues like the Minneapolis Foundation or the Citizens League. These professionals design and moderate community conversations on polarizing topics, creating structured yet welcoming spaces for residents to listen and be heard. What to look for includes facilitation certifications (e.g., from the International Institute for Facilitation and Change), proven success managing discussions on religion and politics in diverse settings, and partnerships with trusted neighborhood associations or cultural centers across the city.

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