Why The Constant Criticism of Trump?
I'm honestly sick and tired of people who constantly have to point out President Trump's negative qualities. It accomplishes nothing. We've all got negative qualities; why should that be the focus?
I see this constantly from Christians who have voted for President Trump, and it’s gotten old by now. It’s almost like these people who support Trump for a second term are afraid of what others will think if they don’t point out his flaws.
Of course, I can’t read the minds of anyone, nor do I pretend to know their motives and intentions. I’m simply saying what it comes across as.
These same people will also get offended when we ask them why they do this.
Are they afraid of what the perception will be if they say they support Trump without the added caveats about his character?
Are any of us without our character flaws, especially if we are in the public eye to some degree? I know I’ve been guilty of saying things I shouldn't have or teaching things I later regretted.
Or maybe we forget that many previous Presidents had glaring character flaws. President Kennedy was a serial adulterer, for one. Reagan was married twice, and his second wife, Nancy, was consulting a psychic. Our first President refused to abolish slavery. On and on it goes.
What if we applied scripture to how we view and speak about Trump?
Let's apply Philippians 4:8.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
How do we apply this to Trump, who did more for America in his first term than even Reagan?
Let’s look at the fact that Trump fulfilled more campaign promises during his first term than previous Presidents.
While many Presidents prior to Trump were weak in domestic and foreign policies, Trump was a true fighter. While that may have negative qualities, it was what America needed after an Obama presidency that left America and the American military in near ruins.
I served in the Army during Obama’s reign and witnessed first-hand what he did to the military. For example, we didn’t have the budget to keep our vehicles in working condition. We didn’t even have enough money for printer paper under Obama.
President Trump strengthened our military once again.
Of course, our relationship, or lack thereof, with Israel.
Trump is the only President to date to recognize Israel's importance. Many previous presidents paid lip service but refused to take necessary action. Trump, the fighter, was willing to step forward and do what it takes.
Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's eternal capital by being the first world leader to move an embassy there. At the time, there were zero embassies in Jerusalem; there are now five.
Let’s not forget the Abraham Accords, something that was thought impossible.
In protest against the partition of the British mandate of Palestine (see United Nations Resolution 181), Arab governments categorically refused to extend diplomatic recognition to Israel after its independence in 1948. A series of Arab-Israeli wars took place in the decades that followed, although the hostilities were largely confined to Israel and its immediate neighbours. After the trauma of the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973), Egypt became the first Arab country to conclude a peace treaty with Israel, in 1979 (see Camp David Accords). Israel later agreed to a two-state solution with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1993, and, as a result, Jordan concluded a peace agreement with Israel in 1994.
That’s right, not only were there zero diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab governments at one time, but many of them openly attacked Israel.
President Trump steps in to accomplish what no world leader before him did.
Trump was also the first US President to set foot in North Korea while taking a hard line against Kim Jong-un.
President Trump stood toe-to-toe with Vladimir Putin, and Putin backed down. Under George W. Bush, Putin invaded Georgia. Under Obama, Putin invaded Crimea, and then, under Biden, he invaded Ukraine. Putin and others dared not pull such nonsense under Trump’s presidency.
Yet, despite the Trump administration's numerous accomplishments, many still have the nerve to focus on Trump’s flaws.
These are the same people who, at times, let those in ministry slide. Charge insane amounts of money for “Christian” conferences? Teach and preach from The Passion “Translation?” Believe that God damns people to hell? Prophesy things that never come to pass or are impossible to test? Deafening silence.
This is what’s called using unequal weights and measures. Something God calls an abomination in Proverbs.
God warns that not many should be teachers, ministers, because those of us who are will be held to a higher standard and judgment. God lists qualifications for ministry in 1 Timothy 3 and other places. Yet, where are those who criticize Trump to no end, doing the same with those who violate scripture?
The hypocrisy is deafening.
Instead, Let’s focus on what scripture tells us to do with world leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(emphasis mine)
If we recognize Donald Trump’s fruit that makes him a great world leader but not a Christian, then we should quit publicly criticizing him and spend more time privately praying for him.
I would hope that everyone who is a Christian would want Donald Trump saved, along with anyone else. Erring on the side of grace, I choose to believe that those who vote for Trump but also openly criticize him have the best of intentions.
I ask anyone like that to humble themselves before God Almighty and repent. God won’t turn you away. You will only come out the other side, a refined Christian shining in the humility that comes from the fruit of repentance.