Poll Shows Majority Disapproval of Religious Rhetoric by Trump and Hegseth

The survey showed contrasting positive views toward Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff pushed back against the administration on issues including immigration and the war in Iran. Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus on Truth Social that drew backlash and was later deleted.

The poll recorded 87 percent disapproval of the post. A separate 69 percent of respondents expressed dislike for Hegseth's prayer at the end of March during a religious service at the Pentagon that called for overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.

The same post and prayer drew negative reactions from within the president's own political base. Eighty percent of Trump's 2024 voters and 79 percent of Republicans viewed the Jesus image negatively. By contrast, more than half of Americans agreed with Leo's message that war should be rejected.

The poll found 41 percent of those familiar with the pontiff viewed him favorably while 16 percent viewed him unfavorably. Leo denounced the delusion of omnipotence fueling the war in Iran. Trump responded by accusing the pontiff of endangering Catholics through support for Iran's nuclear weapons program.

" >The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace. If someone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully. — Pope Leo XIV (The Independent) The pontiff responded to the accusation on Wednesday without naming Trump directly.

The exchange occurs ahead of a scheduled meeting Thursday between the pontiff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican described as a frank conversation about the administration's policies. Hegseth has incorporated his Evangelical Christian faith into public remarks at the Pentagon.

He has framed aspects of the war in Iran through a religious lens, prayed for overwhelming violence against enemies, and stated that God stands with the United States against Iran. The Pentagon previously dismissed related criticisms in a statement to The Independent.

The statement noted that Hegseth is a proud Christian and that the Christian faith is woven into the nation's fabric, citing examples of past American wartime leaders including President George Washington and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The survey measured reactions to specific actions rather than general attitudes toward religion in public life. It showed broad disapproval that crossed party lines on the particular instances involving the AI image and the Pentagon prayer. Leo has taken public positions against the administration's anti-immigration measures and the conflict with Iran.

The poll indicated that a majority of Americans aligned with his stated view that war should be rejected.