Donald Trump: Pontifex Minimus of the Civil Religion of the Big Lie

Abstract

ABSTRACT The American president is the pontifex maximus of the American Civil Religion (ACR). While each U.S. president has their own ‘take’ on ACR, they all endorse democratic values and serve as national pastors. All until Donald J. Trump. This article argues that Donald Trump is the first pontifex minimus in American history: the first leader to self-consciously endorse an anti-democratic civil religion as president. After providing the necessary background in ACR studies and the presidency, it explores Trump's religious values (derived from Norman Vincent Peale's power of positive thinking) and his political beliefs (especially his deep hostility toward democratic governance). It documents both throughout his presidency, but argues that they mature in the waning days of his term. Trump's decision to strike at the heart of the election ritual—the time during which American politics is at its most vulnerable—establishes him as the pontifex minimus of the civil religion of the Big Lie (CRBL).