In 2016, the United States witnessed the election of Donald Trump as its 45th President, accompanied by an unexpected revelation: 77 percent of white Evangelicals cast their votes in his favor, according to the Pew Research Center. In 2020, that number went up to 84 percent. What made these statistics particularly striking was the apparent dissonance between Trump’s behavior and the cherished values traditionally upheld by evangelical Christianity. His track record was marked by divorces, explicit language, and a public image at odds with the humility and moral uprightness preached by evangelical leaders. This presented a paradox within the context of their overwhelming support, that continues even to this day as the former president faces multiple indictments. The rise of right-wing extremism, rooted in ideologies like nationalism and populism, has unexpectedly converged with the white Evangelical community, with masculinity at the forefront. This intersection has sparked debates and raised questions about the influence of religion on political ideologies and its societal implications. How did we get to this point? This paper will explore the connection between right-wing extremism and white Evangelicalism in today’s political landscape, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of gender, masculinity, and their role in shaping this alignment.

Right-wing extremism in the United States has evolved over many decades. Post-World War II, anti-communist sentiments gained momentum, spawning groups resistant to perceived Communist influence. During the Civil Rights Movement, extremist factions emerged, vehemently opposing desegregation and racial equality, leading to a resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan. In the 1970s, anti-government sentiment rose, exemplified by groups like the Posse Comitatus, resisting perceived federal overreach. The 1990s witnessed the ascent of the militia movement, expressing concerns about gun rights, government overreach, and conspiracy theories. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of right-wing extremists opposing globalization, immigration, and perceived threats to national identity. The internet has since amplified the dissemination of extremist ideologies, becoming fertile ground for radicalization, conspiracy theories, and coordinated activities. This trend culminated in the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, prompted by Donald Trump. (Butler 2021, Nemeth et al. 2021) 

Evangelicalism emerged as a movement within Protestantism during the 18th century, often associated with the First Great Awakening in America and the Methodist movement led by figures like John Wesley in Britain. The movement highlighted a personal and emotional experience of faith and a commitment to spreading the Gospel. Evangelicalism is rooted in key theological tenets such as the belief in the authority and inspiration of the Bible, the centrality of the atonement through Jesus Christ, and the importance of personal conversion. These theological foundations served as defining features of the movement. Throughout the 19th century, evangelicalism spread through revival meetings and missionary endeavors. In the early 20th century, some segments of evangelicalism became associated with the fundamentalist movement, emphasizing strict adherence to certain doctrinal fundamentals. The mid-to-late 20th century witnessed the rise of the evangelical movement as a significant force in American and global Christianity. (Hedges 2008, Hutchison et al. 2012) 

The surge of Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism in the mid-20th century seemed to appear suddenly. A key figure in this rise was a man named Billy Graham, who swiftly became the icon of New Evangelicalism. Described as the epitome of an “All-American Male” with his handsome, tall, and muscular stature, blue eyes, and square jaw, Graham played a pivotal role in shaping the movement (Kobes Du Mez 2020). Graham became the first paid evangelist for the prominent Christian organization Youth for Christ. In this role, he engaged in evangelization efforts targeting American youth, emphasizing the importance of equipping Christians to share their faith worldwide. Central to his teachings was the concept of a virtuous household. He asserted the belief that women were subject to a divine curse, claiming that their role in the household was one of complete submission to their husbands in all aspects. The man was the representation of Christ – a leader brimming with strength and spirituality, poised to guide the family with his wisdom. Graham, alongside celebrity cowboys Stuart Hamblen and John Wayne, popularized the concept of a powerful and fearsome warrior God, laying the foundation for the emergence of Christian Nationalism. (Kobes Du Mez 2020, Hutchinson et al. 2012, Burke 2021))

In the early to mid-20th century, a significant number of Christians in the United States aligned themselves with the Democratic Party, including lifelong registered Democrat Billy Graham. The shift towards conservative ideologies occurred relatively quickly from the 1950s to the 1980s. A key factor contributing to this transition was Graham’s hostile relationship with Harry S. Truman and his association with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Truman did not respect Graham and his overinflated ego, and Graham did not believe that Truman was a “real” Christian. This prompted Graham to seek an alternative candidate. He started meeting with Republicans and told them that they could secure the evangelical vote by aligning with evangelical perspectives on morality and foreign policy. This ultimately led to Graham penning a letter encouraging Eisenhower to enter the presidential race. Though not a religious figure, Eisenhower was a war hero, and Graham thought his presence would reintroduce spirituality and morality to the White House. This marked the beginning of a strong link between evangelicals and politics, as Graham would be the unofficial “Pastor of the Presidents” until his death in 2018 (Kobes Du Mez 2020).

The growth of right-wing extremism and the surge of popularity in evangelicalism in the United States share similar timelines, and this is no coincidence. During the Cold War, Dwight D. Eisenhower, with the support of several evangelical leaders such as Billy Graham, strategically utilized anti-communist rhetoric to mobilize the evangelical population. This framing of the Cold War as a moral crisis fostered a deep alliance between evangelicals and conservative politics. This caused the fear of left-leaning values to become ingrained in the evangelical belief system. Over the following decades, this connection evolved, impacting politics and contributing to the way modern American conservatism is today. (Kobes Du Mez 2020)

An examination of the shared ideologies between right-wing extremism and Christian fundamentalism shows a symbiotic relationship based on overlapping convictions. Central to this alignment is a collective emphasis on preserving traditional values, which manifests in their joint resistance to societal shifts, particularly those related to gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, and issues of family structure. Both groups often regard social change as a threat to their moral foundations and cultural identity, creating resistance against what they see as a progressive destruction of societal norms. Furthermore, a shared sense of national identity and a desire for a return to a perceived morally upright society serve as unifying elements. While most white evangelicals do not endorse extremism, the intertwining of religious and political ideologies within evangelicalism creates a breeding ground for radicalization.

An in-depth analysis of the shared nationalist, populist, and ethnonationalist themes within the intersection of right-wing extremism and white evangelicalism reveals how these ideologies converge. Nationalism, a fervent love for one’s country often characterized by an exclusionary stance, forms a common thread. Both movements are driven by a sense of national identity that seeks to protect and preserve cultural norms. Populism, with its emphasis on appealing to the grievances and anxieties of the common people, becomes a powerful tool in the hands of leaders who seek to unite these movements against perceived elite establishments. The populist narrative often frames the struggle as a battle against external forces threatening the core values of the nation, fostering a sense of victimhood. (Roberts 2021, Kobes Du Mez 2020) 

Ethnonationalism further deepens the connection, with both right-wing extremists and some white evangelicals endorsing ideas that connect religious identity with a particular ethnic or racial group. This gives rise to narratives that perceive the preservation of cultural or religious heritage as contingent upon the exclusion or marginalization of others. These ethnonationalist narratives contribute to the formation of insular communities within these movements, where a shared fear of erosion of cultural identity becomes a rallying point. For instance, this exclusivist perspective is exemplified in the extremism against those within the Islamic community, where discriminatory actions and attitudes target individuals who practice Islam or even just people who seem like they might, highlighting the harmful consequences of the ethnonationalist ideologies that abound within these circles. (Hedges 2008, Thompson 2020)

Moreover, the intertwining of masculinity within white evangelicalism contributes significantly to this convergence. The concept of a strong, traditional man often goes hand in hand with nationalist and ethnonationalist narratives. Leaders within these movements, like Billy Graham, projected an image of a masculine, authoritative figure, reinforcing a patriarchal understanding of society. This emphasis on a particular form of masculinity serves as a unifying factor, reinforcing the notion of a leader whose job is solely to safeguard traditional values. The deep connection of nationalism, populism, ethnonationalism, and masculinity within the realms of right-wing extremism and white evangelicalism shows how multifaceted this issue truly is. (Kobes Du Mez 2020) 

The political influence of evangelicals has continued to shape American politics over the decades. One notable instance is the rise of the Religious Right in the late 20th century. Leaders like Jerry Falwell and organizations such as the Moral Majority mobilized evangelicals around key social issues, playing a pivotal role in the election of conservative candidates like Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Another organization called The Fellowship led by Douglas Coe organizes the yearly National Prayer Breakfast and is highly influential in the national political landscape, the lengths of which remain unseen due to the secrecy of the group (Hedges 2008, Sharlet 2008). 

The issue of abortion has been a central focus of evangelical political engagement. Groups such as the Christian Coalition and Focus on the Family have advocated for anti-abortion legislation and supported political candidates who align with their pro-life stance. The appointment of conservative judges, particularly those with anti-abortion views, has been a strategic goal for evangelical political activists, influencing the judiciary’s composition and potentially shaping legal precedents. Another recent and extreme example is the organization Faith and Action, which actively “wined and dined” Supreme Court justices leading up to the overturning of Roe v. Wade with Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022 (Canellos and Gerstein 2022, McKammon 2022, Hedges).

The LGBTQ+ rights movement has also been a significant point of contention. Evangelical groups, often framing their opposition as a defense of traditional family values, have lobbied against policies supporting LGBTQ+ rights, such as marriage equality. In an opinion article published on the CNN website, Focus on the Family’s president Jim Daly wrote that the issue was about a  “… widely and deeply held belief that God’s design for human sexuality lies within the lifelong context of one-man, one-woman marriage” (Daly 2011).   This political stance has influenced the positions of politicians aligning with evangelical values and has been a divisive factor in national and local politics (Bjork-James 2019). 

In education, the advocacy for teaching creationism (often referred to as Intelligent Design) alongside or instead of evolution in public schools again reflects the political influence of evangelicals. Efforts to change school curricula and textbook content to include the “Judeo-Christian story of creation” have been pursued through various legal channels and have succeded in some cases (Hedges 2008, Pew Research Center 2014).

These examples demonstrate how the political influence of evangelicals has been wielded across diverse issues, impacting elections, legislative agendas, and public policy. The alignment of evangelical values with conservative political movements has created a lasting imprint on the American political landscape, illustrating the intricate relationship between religious convictions and political engagement.

The rise of Donald Trump as a political candidate marked a significant shift in American politics, accompanied by the emergence of heightened right-wing sentiments. Trump’s unorthodox campaign, characterized by populist rhetoric and a strong anti-establishment stance, resonated with discontented segments of the population. His incendiary remarks on issues such as immigration, national identity, and globalization energized elements of the right-wing spectrum. His candidacy provided a platform for some far-right groups and individuals with extremist views to amplify their messages. The divisive nature of Trump’s campaign and presidency intensified existing political polarization, contributing to an atmosphere where right-wing hate found fertile ground. Trump’s communication style, often characterized by inflammatory language and disregard for political correctness, further fueled a sense of grievance among non-conservative factions, encouraging the more extreme elements of the right-wing spectrum. The consequences of this dynamic were felt not only during Trump’s presidency but also in the following years, highlighting the impact of his political ascent on right-wing ideologies and the broader political landscape. 

Despite Donald Trump’s personal conduct and lifestyle seemingly conflicting with traditional evangelical values, his administration’s policies aligned with key issues important to the evangelical community. Trump actively sought the support of evangelical leaders, including Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham, who continues his father’s legacy by serving as the CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. This created a political alliance that saw a significant portion of the evangelical voting bloc rallying behind him. The culmination of this support was evident in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, by a pro-Trump mob. While not solely evangelical-driven, many of the participants were motivated by a belief in Trump as a defender of their values.  (Kobes Du Mez 2020)

Evangelical support for Donald Trump emerged prominently during the 2016 election and continued throughout his presidency, revealing the deep alliance between religious convictions and political engagement. Many evangelicals were drawn to Trump’s promises of conservative Supreme Court appointments, anti-abortion policies, and rhetoric around the protection of “religious freedoms”. This alignment, though not surprising due to its historical roots, challenges traditional perceptions of religious and political affiliations. Figures like Billy Graham and Ronald Reagan, projecting an “All-American Male” image and emphasizing masculinity, played a pivotal role in connecting these seemingly different ideals. The political influence of evangelicals, evident across various issues, contributed to a lasting imprint on the American political landscape. The intersection of white Evangelicalism and right-wing extremism poses critical questions about the evolving nature of American conservatism and the influence of gender dynamics on political ideologies, challenging prevailing assumptions about the role of religion in contemporary politics.

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