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White Evangelicals Stand by Trump Amid Racial Controversies

2/11/2026

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

White evangelical leaders largely back U.S. President Donald Trump despite controversies.
Some leaders offered mild criticisms but did not confront dehumanizing actions toward non-white individuals.
A poll shows 69% of white evangelicals approve of Trump, a slight decline from earlier support.
Critics say the movement’s hostility toward racial diversity underpins their backing, signaling a white-supremacist bent.

History

Historical Context

The Southern Strategy, popularized by Richard Nixon in 1968, aimed to attract white Southern voters by appealing to racial tensions, marking a significant shift from the Democratic dominance in the region. This strategy helped Nixon secure 43.4% of the popular vote. Today, Donald Trump’s support from 69% of white evangelicals reflects the enduring connection between evangelicalism and racial politics in the U.S.

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Story summary

White evangelical leaders largely back U.S. President Donald Trump despite controversies.
Some leaders offered mild criticisms but did not confront dehumanizing actions toward non-white individuals.
A poll shows 69% of white evangelicals approve of Trump, a slight decline from earlier support.
Critics say the movement’s hostility toward racial diversity underpins their backing, signaling a white-supremacist bent.

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