Vice President JD Vance on Monday attempted to portray President Donald Trump as a man of faith while promoting his new book on Catholicism, but critics were quick to dismiss the claim.
Vance's Interview on Fox News
In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Vance acknowledged that his own spiritual side differs from Trump's in many ways, yet emphasized their strong relationship. Hannity brought up Vance's past criticism of Trump, including a 2020 remark likening him to 'America's Hitler,' which drew chuckles from Vance. Responding to the host, Vance said, 'Well, in 2016,' before continuing to defend Trump's faith.
'What is interesting about President Trump is — he doesn't wear it on his sleeve, but he is a person of faith,' Vance stated. 'And he does, like all of us, think about these very deep questions: where did we come from? Where are we going?'
The vice president added, 'Fundamentally, I think the president recognizes that some of the people who have been best to him, who have been critical parts of him getting to the presidency now two times and arguably three times, they were Christians.'
Trump's Religious Image
Trump, who has described himself as a 'non-denominational Christian' since 2020, has faced criticism for using religion to promote himself. He once claimed the Bible was his favorite book but stumbled on a simple question about it in a 2015 interview. During his 2024 campaign, he sold 'God Bless the USA' editions of the Bible. In recent months, he shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Christ-like healing figure and another showing him dressed as the pope. Amid his feud with Pope Leo XIV, Trump promoted the idea that he has a 'better understanding' of the Bible than the pontiff.
Backlash on Social Media
Social media users mocked Vance's comments. Radio host and former Representative Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) called the claim 'utter fucking bullshit.' Another user wrote, 'This is the most ridiculous lie he has ever told, which is saying a lot.' Others questioned how a person of faith could treat people poorly, referencing Trump's insults toward journalists. One user said, 'All he thinks about is himself.' Another added, 'He wears it on the bottom of his shoe.'
Vance's book, which details his personal journey back to Catholicism, ironically features a United Methodist church on its cover, drawing further scrutiny.
