Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

Catholic League President Bill Donohue asserts that the Democratic Party's "anti-Christian" policies are alienating religious voters, while former President Donald Trump actively courts Catholics and other Christians.

Former President Donald Trump is actively courting the Catholic vote as the Democratic Party faces criticism for policies perceived to be hostile to religion.

"They're anti-Christian, and it's driving people out," Catholic League President Bill Donohue said in a phone interview, citing former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's endorsement of Trump.

Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

Donohue attributed the alienation of religious voters to Democrats' support for abortion rights, transgender rights, and policies perceived as antithetical to traditional Catholic values.

In response, Trump's campaign has launched the "Catholics for Trump" coalition, aiming to attract Catholic voters who feel their values are not represented by the Democratic Party.

Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

Trump's courting of Catholic voters is part of a broader effort by the Republican Party to appeal to religious voters. According to Pew Research data, Trump secured 52% of the Catholic vote in 2016, while Biden won 52% in 2020.

Donohue emphasized the distinction between practicing Catholics and baptized Catholics who no longer participate in the faith. He argued that practicing Catholics have little in common with secular Catholics, who tend to vote for Democrats.

Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

In addition to the Catholics for Trump coalition, Trump's campaign has launched the "Believers for Trump" coalition, which works with various religious communities to mobilize support for Trump.

Donohue noted that the Catholic vote traditionally supported Democrats until the 1960s. However, he attributed the shift to the Republican Party to the pro-life stance adopted by the GOP and the perception that Democrats have abandoned religious voters.

Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

Trump's focus on religious voters comes amid criticism from pro-life conservatives over his moderation on abortion rights. However, he has recently reaffirmed his support for overturning Roe v. Wade and leaving abortion laws to the states.

Despite the backlash, Donohue commended Trump's efforts to appeal to Catholics and other religious voters. He emphasized the importance of addressing the alienation felt by religious voters who believe their values are no longer represented by the Democratic Party.

Trump Courts Catholic Vote While Democrats Push Away Religious Supporters

"A lot of Catholics do feel alienated," Donohue said, while commending Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan for his work investigating anti-Catholic bias in the federal government. "Many of them have found a new anchor with the Republicans."