Story perspectives

Trump Commission Pushes Repeal of Johnson Amendment, Threatening Church-State Separation

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission reported on June 26 that it seeks to repeal Johnson Amendment, which bars churches from endorsing candidates.
Baptist minister Andrew Daugherty warns that scrapping the amendment would let donations fund campaigns without disclosure, citing a 2024 Pew study showing ‘none’ as an identity and falling attendance.
The commission urges ending the separation of church and state, which Daugherty says would create an evangelical partnership.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission reported on June 26 that it seeks to repeal Johnson Amendment, which bars churches from endorsing candidates.
Baptist minister Andrew Daugherty warns that scrapping the amendment would let donations fund campaigns without disclosure, citing a 2024 Pew study showing ‘none’ as an identity and falling attendance.
The commission urges ending the separation of church and state, which Daugherty says would create an evangelical partnership.