Religious leaders across various faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, approach the upcoming second Trump administration with a mix of hope and caution. While some express optimism for the future, others remain skeptical, awaiting concrete actions from the President-elect.
Within the Jewish community, perspectives vary. Rabbi Jo David, based in New York City, acknowledges a range of sentiments, from positivity to significant concern. This division highlights the complex relationship between the Jewish community and the incoming administration.
Haris Tarin, of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, describes the overall sentiment as “skeptical optimism,” reflecting a desire for positive change tempered by a need for tangible proof.
From the Christian perspective, Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit believes Trump has the potential to leave a lasting positive legacy if he governs effectively, particularly in resource management.
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, leader of New Season megachurch, expresses hope for strengthened religious freedom protections and empowerment of faith-based organizations. He anticipates a greater appreciation for the contributions of religious communities, viewing them as vital elements of American society.
Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center emphasizes the importance of addressing antisemitism, particularly in online spaces and on college campuses, as well as countering pro-Hamas narratives. He expects a significant shift in the new administration's approach, especially regarding Iran policy and the Abraham Accords.
For the Muslim community, Tarin highlights the hope that the previous travel ban targeting certain Muslim-majority countries will not be reinstated. He also emphasizes the importance of protecting civil rights and liberties for all Americans, including Muslims, and seeks an end to Middle East conflicts, particularly in Gaza. Additionally, he suggests that adopting aspects of the Biden administration’s strategy on Islamophobia would be beneficial.
The Trump-Vance transition team has not yet responded to requests for comment.
