There’s a very good reason for this.
As the Democratic Party increasingly embraces policies seen as contrary to Christian values, former President Donald Trump is making a concerted effort to reconnect with Catholic and other Christian voters, according to Catholic League President Bill Donohue.
In a recent interview, Donohue expressed concern that the Democratic Party’s policies are alienating religious voters. He cited former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump as evidence of this shift. “It’s not just about abortion,” Donohue explained. “Many feel the Democrats no longer represent their values. Issues like allowing men to compete in women’s sports and misuse of bathrooms have caused many to believe the party has lost its way.”
Donohue also highlighted the launch of the “Catholics for Trump” coalition, which aims to uphold religious freedom and protect the rights of individuals to practice their faith. The Trump campaign emphasizes a stark contrast with the Biden-Harris administration, which they argue has adopted policies detrimental to Christian values. Brian Burch of CatholicVote criticized Kamala Harris and the administration for opposing religious principles and promoting policies contrary to Catholic teachings.
In a recent gesture of support, Trump acknowledged the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a significant date in the Catholic Church. This move contrasts sharply with the policies of President Biden, who, despite being Catholic, has stepped away from the presidential race. Donohue believes Biden’s departure might temporarily benefit Harris, although he doubts it will change overall Catholic voting patterns. He cited Harris’s past vote against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act as evidence of her alignment with policies opposed by many pro-life voters.
The Catholic vote has shifted significantly over the decades. Historically, Catholics were strong supporters of the Democratic Party until the late 1960s. Since then, many have aligned with the GOP, particularly as the party has become more firmly pro-life. The Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, which Trump supported, has reinforced this alignment.
Trump’s campaign has also introduced the “Believers for Trump” coalition, which aims to counteract what they view as the Biden-Harris administration’s anti-faith agenda. The Trump campaign has criticized the administration for its support of policies like late-term abortion and alleged anti-Catholic sentiment, including the controversial FBI memo targeting traditional Catholics.
Amidst increasing attacks on Catholic institutions and a growing perception of alienation among religious voters, Donohue notes a significant shift. Many Catholics, including those who traditionally supported Democrats, are now leaning towards Trump. As Donohue observed, this shift is particularly noticeable among working-class Catholics who feel abandoned by the Democratic Party’s evolving stance on social issues.
In summary, Trump’s campaign is positioning itself as a defender of Christian values, contrasting sharply with the policies of the current administration and appealing to voters who feel their religious principles are under attack.
