Bernie Scolaro is a retired school counselor, a past president of the Sioux City Education Association, and former Sioux City school board member.
Many on the political right have compared former President Donald Trump to Jesus. Trump often portrays himself as the victim, sacrificing himself and being persecuted by those in power.
Others have noted that Trump is one of the least religious people to occupy the White House, based on his lack of knowledge about Scripture, and how he used the Bible and the church as a prop during his presidency. His rhetoric, policies, and views fuel division, violence, and hate. As a former Catholic school student, I find his attitude and behavior in direct opposition to Christ’s teachings.
The Beatitudes is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. I have compiled some illustrative Trump quotes to contrast Jesus and the Republican nominee for president.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don’t bring God into that picture.” (Trump in 2015)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“I want to send our support and our deepest sympathies to the victims and families touched by the terrible school shooting yesterday in Perry, Iowa. It’s just horrible, so surprising to see it here. But we have to get over it, we have to more forward.” (Trump in 2024)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Nobody’s ever been more successful than me.” (Trump in 2015)
“Accurate is that nobody’s ever done a better job than I’m doing as president.” (Trump in 2018)
“I alone can fix it.” (Trump in 2016)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election.“ (Trump on January 6, 2021)
“Maybe our supporters have the right idea.” Mike Pence “deserves it.” (Trump regarding calls to “Hang Mike Pence” on January 6, 2021)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
“And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.” (Trump in 2023)
“…we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.” (Trump in 2023)
“I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of America, Joe Biden, and go after the Biden crime family.” (Trump in 2023)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible.” (Trump in 2024)
Regarding peaceful protesters, “Can’t you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?” (Trump in 2020)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
To law enforcement officers: “Please don’t be too nice” to those they arrest. (Trump in 2017)
“We fight like hell and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” (Trump on January 6, 2021)
‘I don’t f-ing care that they have weapons, they’re not here to hurt me.” (Trump on January 6, 2021)
On immigrants: “They’re poisoning the blood of our country.” (Trump in 2023)
“Fight, fight, fight.” (Trump after being shot at on July 13, 2024)
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Islam hates us…we’re having problems with the Muslims…total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” (Trump in 2017)
“As soon as I get back into the Oval Office, I’ll also immediately end the war on Christians.” (Trump in 2023)
“Under crooked Joe Biden, Christians and Americans of faith are being persecuted and government has been weaponized against religion like never before.” (Trump in 2023)
You may hail Trump as a great president if you align with his values and policies, but remember one of the Ten Commandments: “you shall have no other gods before Me.”
As a Catholic, I can only pray that values and policies of all candidates meet this moment with compassion, empathy, peace, mercy and humility.