Following the agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "I thank God," remarking shortly after the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, which has led to controversy over the justification of war using religion. Trump's comments have sparked political interpretations even after the ceasefire agreement. There are criticisms that it is rhetoric aimed at consolidating his supporter base, raising questions about whether he is using religion as a political tool.
On the 22nd (local time), according to the Daily Beast, Trump confirmed in a speech the attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities the day before, stating, "I thank God. I hope God blesses the Middle East, Israel, and America." This statement was made before the announcement of the end of combat, stirring criticism that he attempted to glamorize the attack through religious mentions.
Some point out that Trump's remarks go beyond simple expressions of faith, reading them as justification rhetoric through God. In particular, criticism has centered on the fact that he mentioned Israel before the U.S. and that Trump has not consistently demonstrated religious adherence. According to a Pew Research Center survey, only 7% of Americans considered Trump "very religious" during his first term.
On social media, reactions included comments like, "God does not want another war," and "Is Israel blessed first, and the U.S. second?" Some compared Trump to the "Antichrist," while others reacted that his remarks were "coercive and uncomfortable."
Trump is also being criticized for repeating the precedent set by former President George W. Bush, who mentioned a "mission from God" during the invasion of Iraq. In fact, Bush said in 2003 in Egypt, "God told me to go to Afghanistan and Iraq." It appears that Trump has employed a similar messaging strategy in his remarks.
The gap between Trump's religious background and actual actions is also controversial. Trump identifies himself as a nondenominational Christian but has attended church services rarely during official events, and a scene where he was photographed holding a Bible upside down immediately after dispersing a protest outside the White House remains a prominent mocking example. Nevertheless, he has consistently utilized rhetoric appealing to evangelical voters as his core base.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran has led to a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, but evaluations of the implications of Trump's remarks continue in U.S. political circles. Trump's messaging strategy, which intertwines religion, security, and politics, raises concerns that it may be repeated in similar military and diplomatic matters in the future.