Did Evangelicals Just Elect the Antichrist?
If the shoe fits...
Welcome to The Ex-Christian Observer: a weekly newsletter from a former Christian unpacking the madness that is evangelical Christian America.
What’s up nonbelievers, doubters, and skeptics?
Today, we’re diving into a topic I’ve been thinking about for a while now, and it’s going to get a little… controversial. We’re talking about the Antichrist.
Every time there’s a Democratic president or nominee, someone in evangelical circles will claim that this one might just be the Antichrist. Carter, Clinton, Obama… If you listened to certain groups, you’d think we were constantly one election away from the apocalypse.
And yet, many of these same voices have put their support behind Donald Trump—a figure who, if we’re honest, embodies a lot of the traits the Bible actually associates with the Antichrist.
So, let’s dig into what the Bible says about the Antichrist and see how some of these characteristics line up with, well… certain modern-day figures.
1. Denial of Christ-like Qualities
“Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the Antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.” —1 John 2:22
The Bible describes the Antichrist as someone who denies Jesus or opposes his spirit. This doesn’t have to mean outright rejection; it can also mean lacking qualities like compassion, humility, and forgiveness.
Trump’s style has always been one of dominance and personal success. Compassion and humility don’t exactly come to mind, do they? And yet, it’s ironic that so many evangelicals see him as a defender of Christian values.
2. Self-Exaltation and Pride
“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped.” —2 Thessalonians 2:4
In 2 Thessalonians, the Antichrist is described as a figure who exalts himself above all else. Sound familiar?
Trump’s self-promotion is legendary. Whether he’s describing himself as the “only one” who can fix America or as “the chosen one,” his self-exaltation is hard to ignore. If we’re looking for biblical signs, self-aggrandizement is a big one…and Trump’s got that in spades.
3. Appeal to a Devoted Following
“The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.” —Revelation 13:3
The Antichrist is described in Revelation as someone who inspires a devoted, almost worshipful following.
Trump rallies are known for their passionate crowds. For some of his followers, he’s not just a politician; he’s almost messianic, the one man who can “save” America. That kind of loyalty, paired with emotional appeal, mirrors the biblical description of a deceiver with a devoted following.
4. Deceptive Signs and Wonders
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie.” —2 Thessalonians 2:9
The Antichrist is said to deceive people with signs and wonders, leading them astray.
Today, “signs and wonders” might look less like miracles and more like manipulative rhetoric or misinformation. Trump’s use of slogans, conspiracy theories, and “fake news” accusations can shape reality for his followers, bending truth to fit his narrative.
He’s taught his followers to be dismissive of many things that would actually help them.
5. Dividing, Not Uniting
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” —Matthew 24:24
The Antichrist often creates division rather than unity.
Trump’s presence in politics has divided families, friends, and the country as a whole. Whether intentional or not, this divisiveness mirrors the work of someone who drives people apart instead of bringing them together under peace and understanding.
6. Moral and Legal Lawlessness
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.” —2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Antichrist is called the "man of lawlessness," someone who disregards moral standards and laws.
Trump’s defiance of traditional norms and legal practices—from political power moves to responses to legal challenges—reflects a kind of lawlessness. For some, it’s refreshing; for others, it’s deeply concerning.
7. Manipulation of Religious Symbols and Language
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” —Matthew 7:15
The Antichrist is known for using religious language and symbols to win followers, often without true conviction.
Remember when Trump held up a Bible outside St. John’s Church? For some, it was a symbolic moment. For others, it felt like an empty gesture—a convenient way to align with Christians without actually embodying Christian values.
For years, American evangelicals have pointed fingers at Democratic leaders, calling them the Antichrist, but when we take a closer look at the Bible’s descriptions, it raises questions about their own political choices.
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Remember: You don’t need a god to be good.
Kevin
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I’m not a sceptic but a believer actually but I found your post while searching for Donald Trump and the antichrist. There are a load more verses that also fit DT. Like prophecy from Daniel about the ‘little horn’ (Trump-et), how the antichrist is described as being ‘stouter than his fellows’ and more.
Something deep in soul unsettles me about this man. Daniel 9, 2 Thessalonians, Matthew 24, Luke 21, Revelation 13 amongst others are instructive , but also consider events around Ezekiel 37-39 and Isaiah 17.
He certainly has as number of the qualities of an Antichrist and the timing of the emergence of this figure after the Jews prophesied return to Israel matches. A significant portion of the elect do seem to be besotted with him (…if that were possible).