Emmanuel Ochayi
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the creation of a special task force aimed at eliminating what he called “anti-Christian bias” in government agencies. The initiative, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, is part of a broader effort by Trump’s administration to reinforce conservative values in the United States.
Speaking at a national prayer breakfast in Washington, Trump said the task force would take immediate action to halt what he described as discrimination against Christians in various government institutions, including the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, and the FBI. He also stated that the force would prosecute acts of violence and vandalism targeting Christians.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We will protect Christians in our schools, in our military and our government, in our workplaces, hospitals, and in our public squares,” Trump declared before a crowd of religious leaders and supporters.
A New Faith Office at the White House
Alongside the task force, Trump announced the establishment of a “White House faith office” to be led by his longtime spiritual advisor, televangelist Paula White. The office, he said, would work closely with his administration to ensure that religious values remain a cornerstone of national policy.
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The president’s latest moves come as part of a broader restructuring of the federal government in the early weeks of his second term. Since returning to the White House, Trump has signed a series of executive orders pushing a conservative agenda, including measures targeting diversity programs and policies affecting transgender individuals.
Trump Emphasises His Religious Convictions
Trump has positioned himself as a strong advocate for Christian values, despite facing legal challenges, including a criminal conviction related to hush money payments and sexual assault allegations. His support among right-wing Christians remains firm, with many viewing him as a defender of their faith in an increasingly secular society.
Several key members of Trump’s cabinet have strong connections to Christian nationalist groups, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Their presence in the administration further underscores the influence of religious conservatives in Trump’s policies.
Trump, who has not been widely recognised for his personal religiosity in the past, said his faith has grown stronger since he survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in June 2024.
“It changed something in me. I feel even stronger. I believed in God, but I feel much more strongly about it,” he said during a separate prayer breakfast at the US Capitol.
A Renewed Focus on Religion in Public Life
Trump’s remarks at both prayer events emphasised his belief in the need to restore religious values in American society. During his inauguration speech on January 20, he referenced the assassination attempt and declared that he had been “saved by God to Make America Great Again.”
“We have to bring religion back,” Trump said, urging his audience to support his administration’s efforts to prioritize Christian faith in public institutions.
While his policies continue to spark controversy, Trump remains determined to solidify his legacy as a leader who champions conservative Christian causes. The creation of the anti-Christian bias task force marks yet another step in his push to reshape the federal government according to his vision.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
