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NYT's Ross Douthat Releases “Believe,” Downplays Trump

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ross Douthat has been a principal conservative voice for The New York Times and writes its opinion pieces since 2009.
His 2025 book *Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious* was released this year.
Although he once doubted U.S. President Donald Trump, Douthat now downplays the president’s authoritarian tendencies and rationalizes his behavior.
His critique of Democrats’ “resistance” showcases has drawn left-wing condemnation and earned him the label “anti-anti-Trump” among American intellectuals.

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Story summary

Ross Douthat has been a principal conservative voice for The New York Times and writes its opinion pieces since 2009.
His 2025 book *Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious* was released this year.
Although he once doubted U.S. President Donald Trump, Douthat now downplays the president’s authoritarian tendencies and rationalizes his behavior.
His critique of Democrats’ “resistance” showcases has drawn left-wing condemnation and earned him the label “anti-anti-Trump” among American intellectuals.