Trump Monetizes Faith and Inauguration with Special Bible Editions and Exclusive Events
High-Priced Inaugural Prayer Service Sparks Criticism
Trump’s inauguration plans include an interfaith prayer service, dubbed the “One America, One Light Sunday Service.” Access requires donors to contribute at least $100,000 or fundraise $200,000. Top-tier donors giving $1 million will receive tickets to exclusive events, including a cabinet reception and a candlelight dinner with the Trumps.
Critics have labeled the hefty price tag as profiteering from faith, while Trump’s team markets the events as opportunities to unite supporters and celebrate his leadership. Details about the service’s location and participants remain undisclosed.
Special Edition Bibles Tie Faith to Trump
Donald Trump’s supporters can now purchase special editions of the “God Bless the USA Bible,” with versions commemorating his second inauguration, surviving an assassination attempt, and featuring his signature. The inauguration edition launched on January 6, the controversial anniversary of the Capitol insurrection and Trump’s election certification. Priced at up to $1,000, these Bibles symbolize faith and patriotism for his followers while serving as a profitable venture.
A press release describes the Bible as “a cherished keepsake among patriots,” underscoring its appeal as a religious and political artifact. Critics argue that using sacred texts to bolster Trump’s political image commercializes faith and exploits loyal supporters.
Religious Leaders and Churches Weigh In
Trump’s religious outreach includes a potential service at the Washington National Cathedral. He attended the one in 2017 despite criticism from Episcopal leaders. The Cathedral plans a nonpartisan “Service for the Nation” on January 21, irrespective of the election outcome, emphasizing democratic values over political affiliations.
Separately, evangelical activist Sean Feucht announced a worship event supporting Trump but faced backlash after a Catholic church denied permission to host it. Feucht criticized opposition as “spiritual warfare,” while others viewed the controversy as a symptom of Trump’s divisive influence on religious communities.
Supporters Praise Symbolism, Critics Decry Commercialization
While Trump’s supporters see these initiatives as affirmations of his alignment with faith and patriotism, detractors argue they exploit religious devotion for financial and political gain. No other president in history has so thoroughly departed from established ethical norms by monetizing and profiting from the office of the presidency to the degree Mr. Trump has.
Sources:
At Trump’s inauguration, reports of a pay-to-pray
Trump Bible gets special editions, and you’re invited to pay to pray
Photo by Andrej Sachov on Unsplash
About Post Author
