(ZENIT News / New York, 10.18.2024).- On the eve of the Al Smith Dinner, an annual charity event hosted to support Catholic causes in New York, former President and 2024 Republican candidate Donald Trump spoke briefly with EWTN outside the venue. The interview, though short, touched on key issues, including his stance on faith, the importance of religious freedom, and the direction of the Democratic Party. The event was marked by the notable absence of Vice President Kamala Harris, who chose not to attend.
When asked about Pope Francis’ recent comments urging Catholics to vote for the «lesser evil,» Trump confidently asserted that he is the candidate most aligned with Catholic values. “He wants them to vote for me,” Trump declared. “I stand for everything the Church stands for. Kamala Harris? She’s the opposite. She’s a Marxist, just like her father, and Marxists aren’t big fans of religion—any religion.” Trump emphasized that his platform strongly supports faith and religious freedom, contrasting it with what he described as the Democratic Party’s drift toward radical leftism.
Catholic Imagery and Personal Faith
Trump’s affinity for religious symbolism has become more pronounced in recent months, especially on social media, where he frequently shares images of the Virgin Mary and posts prayers. When pressed by the EWTN journalist on the significance of these posts, Trump spoke candidly about his admiration for Catholic imagery. “It’s simply beautiful to me,” he said. “The words, the pictures—they’re just so beautiful. I’ve shared a few things because they mean a lot to me. They’re really beautiful.”
For Trump, the Al Smith Dinner offered an opportunity to further cement his relationship with Catholic voters, a demographic he hopes to win over in the 2024 election. «I’m here to honor the Catholic Church,» he said, emphasizing his long-standing support for the faith. “I’m glad Catholics are voting for Trump now,” he added, confidently projecting that the Church’s followers would back him over Harris.
Balancing Religious Freedom and Abortion Policy
During the interview, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to religious freedom, a position he has held since the beginning of his political career. «Religious liberty is something I’ve stood for from the start, and I wouldn’t change that for anything,» he stated. The issue remains a cornerstone of his campaign, as he seeks to portray himself as the champion of traditional values and freedom of worship.
However, the discussion quickly shifted to abortion, a topic that has seen Trump evolve over the years. While his previous term in office was marked by a staunch pro-life stance, Trump’s current position includes a more nuanced approach. He supports exceptions for cases involving the life of the mother, rape, and incest—positions that have stirred mixed reactions within the pro-life community. Yet, Trump expressed pride in the role his administration played in overturning *Roe v. Wade*, a historic decision that significantly restricted access to abortion across the United States.
On the controversial issue of in vitro fertilization (IVF), Trump remained firm in his support, despite criticism from some religious quarters, including EWTN. The former president defended IVF as a vital option for families struggling with fertility. “I’m proud of the stance I’ve taken,” he said, positioning himself as a pragmatic leader who respects both science and life.
A Divisive Election and the Future of Faith in Politics
Trump’s remarks come at a time when faith and politics are increasingly intertwined in the national conversation. His approach to religion—particularly his embrace of Catholic values—sets up a clear contrast to Kamala Harris, whom he portrayed as a threat to traditional beliefs. By framing the 2024 election as a choice between radicalism and religious freedom, Trump is making a direct appeal to voters of faith, hoping to rally them to his side.
As the race for the White House intensifies, Trump’s strategy is clear: he aims to position himself as the defender of religious values, while casting his opponents as opponents of faith. Whether this message will resonate with Catholic voters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Trump is betting heavily on the power of faith to shape the outcome of the election.
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