Video of Donald Trump appearing uncertain about elements of Christianity has started circulating again after a pastor argued he understands the Bible better than the Pope.
The renewed attention comes amid several moments that have strained Trump’s standing with parts of the religious community in recent months, including clashes with the Pope, an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, and an expletive-laced warning aimed at Iran that ended with the phrase ‘praise be to Allah’.
Even though Trump captured roughly 80 percent of the Evangelical Christian vote in the 2024 election, critics have long pointed to instances where he seems unfamiliar with the text that underpins Christianity.
Those moments have piled up over the years since he became a central figure in US politics — from mispronouncing “2 Corinthians” to hesitating when asked the very common question: ‘Whats your favorite Bible verse?’
In one example from his first presidential campaign, Trump spoke to Bloomberg and sidestepped a topic many candidates typically answer with a rehearsed response. “I wouldn’t want to get into it because to me that’s very personal,” he said.
“You know, when I talk about the Bible it’s very personal.”
The interviewer then tried to make the question easier by asking: “Are you an Old Testament guy or a New Testament guy?”
Trump still didn’t commit to a clear preference, responding: “Uh, probably equal. think it’s just an incredible….the whole Bible is an incredible.”
The clip began trending again after a striking statement from MAGA-aligned pastor Robert Jeffress, who defended Trump’s faith amid controversy over a 22-foot golden statue of Trump that was reportedly erected and blessed by a holy man.
He said: “It looks like President Trump has a better understanding of what the Bible teaches about the role of government than the Pope has.”
Q: What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Trump: I wouldn't want to get into it because to me that's very personal. You know, when I talk about the Bible it's very personal.
Q: Are you an Old Testament guy or a New Testament guy?
Trump: Uh, probably equal. think it’s just an… https://t.co/3NDmc5lRmd pic.twitter.com/JlqcQkzfnq
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 9, 2026
Pastor Burns — the figure said to have blessed the large statue on one of Trump’s Florida golf courses — also issued a response after some people criticized the monument as idolatry.
“Let me be clear: this is not a golden calf,” Burn said, adding: “This statue is a celebration of life. It is a symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, strength, and the will power to keep fighting for the future of America.”
With questions continuing to swirl around his Christian image, Trump has taken steps in recent weeks seemingly aimed at reinforcing ties to religious supporters. In late April, he shared a video filmed in the Oval Office in which he recited a verse from ‘2 Chronicles’ often referenced in conservative circles.
Reading from a teleprompter while resting his hands on a Bible, Trump quoted: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The messaging marks a contrast with a remark he made toward the end of 2025, when he said: “I don’t think there’s anything going to get me in heaven… I think I’m not maybe heaven-bound.”