
Donald Trump's Evangelical Council, officially known as the President's Evangelical Advisory Board, was a group of evangelical Christian leaders who advised the former U.S. President on matters related to the evangelical community. The council was established in 2016 and included prominent figures such as Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell Jr., and Paula White. These advisors played a significant role in shaping Trump's policies and public statements on issues important to evangelical voters, such as religious freedom, abortion, and Israel. The council's influence was notable during Trump's presidency, as he frequently consulted with its members and implemented many of their recommendations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Donald Trump |
| Role | President of the United States |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Religious Affiliation | Evangelical Christian |
| Council Purpose | To provide advice on religious and social issues |
| Council Members | Evangelical leaders and pastors |
| Notable Members | Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell Jr., Paula White |
| Meeting Frequency | Regularly, as needed |
| Influence | Significant influence on Trump's policies and decisions |
| Controversies | Criticism for political endorsements, mixing of church and state |
What You'll Learn
- Jerry Falwell Jr.: Prominent evangelical leader, president of Liberty University, and vocal Trump supporter
- Franklin Graham: Son of Billy Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, and strong advocate for Trump
- Robert Jeffress: Dallas megachurch pastor, Fox News contributor, and staunch Trump ally
- David Barton: Historian and activist, known for his work on religious freedom and support for Trump
- Tony Perkins: President of the Family Research Council, a key figure in the evangelical movement backing Trump

Jerry Falwell Jr.: Prominent evangelical leader, president of Liberty University, and vocal Trump supporter
Jerry Falwell Jr. is a prominent evangelical leader who has played a significant role in American politics and religion. As the president of Liberty University, one of the largest Christian universities in the world, Falwell Jr. has a considerable influence on the evangelical community. He is also a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, which has led to both praise and criticism from various quarters.
Falwell Jr.'s support for Trump has been unwavering, even in the face of controversy. He has been a member of Trump's Evangelical Advisory Council since its inception in 2016 and has consistently defended Trump's policies and actions. This has led to accusations that Falwell Jr. is more interested in maintaining his political influence than in upholding the values of the evangelical community.
Despite these criticisms, Falwell Jr. remains a powerful figure in the evangelical world. His leadership of Liberty University has helped to shape the institution into a bastion of conservative Christian thought, and his support for Trump has solidified his position as a key player in the Republican Party. As such, Falwell Jr.'s influence on the evangelical community and American politics as a whole cannot be overstated.
In conclusion, Jerry Falwell Jr. is a complex figure who has had a significant impact on both the evangelical community and American politics. His unwavering support for Donald Trump has led to both praise and criticism, but his influence remains undeniable. As the president of Liberty University and a key member of Trump's Evangelical Advisory Council, Falwell Jr. continues to shape the landscape of American religion and politics.
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Franklin Graham: Son of Billy Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, and strong advocate for Trump
Franklin Graham, the son of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, has emerged as a prominent figure in his own right within the evangelical community. As the president of Samaritans Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization, Graham has leveraged his platform to advocate for various social and political causes. His strong support for former President Donald Trump has been particularly noteworthy, positioning him as a key player in the intersection of religion and politics.
Graham's advocacy for Trump has been multifaceted, encompassing both public endorsements and private counsel. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies, particularly those related to religious freedom and conservative social values. Graham's influence extends beyond his public statements, as he has also been a member of Trump's Evangelical Advisory Council, a group of evangelical leaders who have provided guidance and support to the former president.
The relationship between Graham and Trump has been mutually beneficial. For Graham, aligning with Trump has helped to solidify his position as a leading evangelical figure and has provided him with access to the highest levels of government. For Trump, Graham's support has helped to shore up his base among evangelical voters, a crucial demographic in American politics.
Graham's role in Trump's Evangelical Advisory Council has been particularly significant. The council, which was established in 2016, has served as a conduit between the Trump administration and the evangelical community. Graham's involvement in the council has allowed him to provide input on policy decisions and to help shape the administration's approach to issues of importance to evangelicals.
In conclusion, Franklin Graham's position as a strong advocate for Trump has made him a central figure in the evangelical community's engagement with politics. His role as president of Samaritans Purse and his membership in Trump's Evangelical Advisory Council have provided him with a platform to influence policy and to support causes that align with his conservative Christian values. Graham's relationship with Trump has been a defining aspect of his public persona, and it has had a significant impact on the political landscape in the United States.
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Robert Jeffress: Dallas megachurch pastor, Fox News contributor, and staunch Trump ally
Robert Jeffress, a prominent figure in the evangelical community, has been a steadfast supporter of former President Donald Trump. As the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, Jeffress has leveraged his influential pulpit to champion conservative causes and endorse Trump's political agenda. His unwavering loyalty to Trump has earned him a coveted spot on the former president's Evangelical Council, a group of religious leaders who advised Trump on matters of faith and policy.
Jeffress's rise to prominence in the evangelical sphere has been marked by his outspoken views on a range of social and political issues. He has been a vocal critic of LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and religious pluralism, often using his platform to promote a conservative Christian worldview. His alignment with Trump's policies, particularly on issues such as immigration and religious freedom, has further solidified his position as a key figure in the evangelical-political landscape.
In addition to his role as a pastor and council member, Jeffress has also made frequent appearances on Fox News, where he has offered commentary on current events and defended Trump's actions. His media presence has helped to amplify his message and reach a wider audience, further cementing his status as a influential voice in the evangelical community.
Jeffress's support for Trump has not been without controversy, however. Some critics have accused him of prioritizing political loyalty over theological integrity, while others have raised concerns about his inflammatory rhetoric and divisive approach to ministry. Despite these criticisms, Jeffress remains a powerful figure in the evangelical world, and his influence shows no signs of waning.
As a member of Trump's Evangelical Council, Jeffress played a significant role in shaping the former president's policies and public statements on matters of faith. His input was particularly influential in the areas of religious freedom, abortion, and LGBTQ+ rights, where he advocated for policies that aligned with his conservative Christian beliefs. Jeffress's close relationship with Trump also gave him a unique platform to promote his own brand of evangelicalism, which often emphasized a strong connection between faith and politics.
In conclusion, Robert Jeffress's role as a Dallas megachurch pastor, Fox News contributor, and staunch Trump ally has made him a pivotal figure in the intersection of religion and politics. His unwavering support for Trump and his conservative Christian views have earned him a place on the former president's Evangelical Council, where he has had a significant impact on policy and public discourse. Despite facing criticism for his political loyalty and divisive rhetoric, Jeffress remains a powerful voice in the evangelical community, and his influence continues to shape the landscape of American politics.
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David Barton: Historian and activist, known for his work on religious freedom and support for Trump
David Barton is a prominent historian and activist who has made significant contributions to the field of religious freedom. He is the founder and president of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that educates the public on the historical significance of religious liberty. Barton's work has been influential in shaping the discourse around religious freedom in the United States, and he has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Barton's involvement with Trump's evangelical council was marked by his strong advocacy for religious liberty and his belief in the importance of faith in public life. He was a key figure in the council, working closely with other evangelical leaders to advise Trump on matters related to religious freedom and policy. Barton's support for Trump was rooted in his belief that Trump was committed to protecting and promoting religious liberty, a cause that Barton has dedicated his life to.
One of Barton's most notable contributions to the council was his efforts to promote religious freedom in the workplace. He advocated for policies that would protect employees from discrimination based on their religious beliefs, and he worked to ensure that religious organizations were not unfairly targeted by government regulations. Barton's work on this issue was instrumental in shaping Trump's policies on religious freedom, and he was a key figure in the development of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Barton's support for Trump was not without controversy, however. Some critics accused him of promoting a revisionist history of the United States, one that emphasized the role of Christianity in the country's founding and development. Others criticized his close ties to Trump, arguing that his support for the former president was motivated more by political expediency than by a genuine commitment to religious freedom. Despite these criticisms, Barton remained a steadfast supporter of Trump and continued to work closely with the evangelical council throughout Trump's presidency.
In conclusion, David Barton is a historian and activist who has made significant contributions to the field of religious freedom. His work with Trump's evangelical council was marked by his strong advocacy for religious liberty and his belief in the importance of faith in public life. Barton's support for Trump was rooted in his belief that Trump was committed to protecting and promoting religious liberty, and he worked tirelessly to advance this cause during his time on the council.
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Tony Perkins: President of the Family Research Council, a key figure in the evangelical movement backing Trump
Tony Perkins, as the President of the Family Research Council, has been a pivotal figure in the evangelical movement supporting Donald Trump. His role extends beyond mere endorsement; Perkins has been actively involved in shaping policy and providing counsel to the former president. With a background in both politics and religious leadership, Perkins brings a unique blend of expertise to the table, making him a key liaison between the evangelical community and the Trump administration.
Perkins' influence is evident in several policy decisions made during Trump's tenure. For instance, he played a significant role in the administration's efforts to restrict abortion access and promote religious freedom. His advocacy for these causes has earned him both praise and criticism, highlighting the contentious nature of his work. Additionally, Perkins has been a vocal supporter of Trump's immigration policies, often citing biblical principles to justify the administration's stance on border security and refugee resettlement.
One of the most notable aspects of Perkins' involvement with the Trump administration is his ability to mobilize the evangelical base. Through his leadership at the Family Research Council and his frequent appearances on conservative media outlets, Perkins has helped to galvanize evangelical support for Trump's policies and political agenda. This has been particularly evident during election cycles, where Perkins has actively campaigned for Trump and other Republican candidates who align with his values.
Despite his significant influence, Perkins has faced criticism from some quarters of the evangelical community. Detractors argue that his close association with Trump has compromised his moral authority and that he has prioritized political expediency over biblical principles. These criticisms have, however, done little to diminish Perkins' standing within the broader evangelical movement, where he continues to be a respected and influential figure.
In conclusion, Tony Perkins' role as a key figure in the evangelical movement backing Trump is multifaceted. His involvement in policy-making, advocacy, and mobilization of the evangelical base has made him an indispensable ally to the former president. While his actions have not been without controversy, Perkins remains a powerful voice within the evangelical community and a testament to the enduring influence of religious leaders in American politics.
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Frequently asked questions
Trump's Evangelical Council, also known as the President's Evangelical Advisory Board, includes a diverse group of evangelical leaders and pastors. Some notable members have been Franklin Graham, Paula White, and Robert Jeffress.
The Evangelical Council serves as a liaison between the White House and the evangelical community. Its members provide advice and support to the President on various issues from a faith-based perspective.
The frequency of meetings for the Evangelical Council has varied. Under President Trump, it met several times a year, both in person at the White House and via conference calls.
Yes, the Evangelical Council has faced some controversies. Critics have questioned the political motivations behind its formation and the influence its members may have on policy decisions. Additionally, some evangelical leaders have been criticized for their support of President Trump's policies.
The Evangelical Council influences policy by providing input and advice to the President on issues that are important to the evangelical community. While the council does not have formal policy-making power, its members can have a significant impact on the President's decisions and public statements.

