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Researchers Dispute Trump's Claim Faith Reduces Crime

5/23/2026

27 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed at a prayer rally in Washington, D.C., that religion cuts crime.
Amy Adamczyk and Sung Joon Jang say belief in heaven and hell does not deter crime, contradicting Trump.
A 2021 Percy Foundation study found 69.5% of offenders and 62.7% of inmates said faith mattered yet they committed crimes.
A 2025 study links lower crime in high-inequality neighborhoods to congregational support rather than religious belief.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed at a prayer rally in Washington, D.C., that religion cuts crime.
Amy Adamczyk and Sung Joon Jang say belief in heaven and hell does not deter crime, contradicting Trump.
A 2021 Percy Foundation study found 69.5% of offenders and 62.7% of inmates said faith mattered yet they committed crimes.
A 2025 study links lower crime in high-inequality neighborhoods to congregational support rather than religious belief.