Key facts
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows approximately half of evangelical Christians disagree with President Trump's policies on the Iran war and immigration.
- 54% of evangelicals surveyed believe Trump's military actions in Iran are not aligned with Christian principles.
- 51% of evangelicals feel the administration's immigration policies contradict Christian values.
- Trump's approval among evangelicals stands at 52%, a decrease from previous polling.
- The poll indicates that Trump's overall approval has declined, partly due to the Iran war's effect on gas prices.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates a division among evangelical Christians, a key demographic for President Donald Trump, regarding his administration's policies on the Iran war and immigration enforcement. The poll, conducted from June 3-8 among 4,531 U.S. adults, found that 54% of evangelicals believe Trump's military actions in Iran do not align with their understanding of Christianity, while 41% believe they do. Similarly, 51% of evangelicals feel the administration's approach to immigration policy is not in line with Christian values, compared to 44% who believe it is.
Trump's approval rating among evangelicals stood at 52% in the latest poll, a decrease from 61% in August, though it remains significantly higher than his 35% approval rating among all U.S. adults. His overall approval has seen a decline in recent months, partly attributed to the ongoing Iran war and its impact on gasoline prices.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Trump's record, stating he has championed religious rights and pardoned anti-abortion activists, asserting he has been the "greatest president for Christian Americans." However, some evangelical voters expressed dissent. Sandy Miller, an evangelical from Indiana, stated she would not vote for Trump again, citing concerns about his use of war and his perceived lack of Christian demonstration. Conversely, Connie Reese, an evangelical from Iowa, supported Trump's stance on the Iran war, referencing biblical precedent and historical claims to the land for Israel.
The findings come as Republicans prepare for the November midterm elections, where they aim to defend narrow majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives. The poll's results suggest potential headwinds for the Republican Party within this crucial voting bloc.