Trump's faith-based campaign strategy targets swing state voters

Trumps campaign is going all-in on faith-based outreach‚ aiming to get evangelical Christians to the polls in swing states. The “Believers for Trump“ program is mixing politics and religion in a way thats raising eyebrows.

At a recent event in Michigan (about two weeks ago) pastor Marlin J Reed told a crowd of hundreds that God wants them to vote for Trump. “You are being called upon to stand up and face down this darkness and face down these lies and refuse to stop speaking“ Reed said‚ his words met with cheers.

The campaign is training “Church Captains“ to get congregations voting early or by mail. Theyʼre also selling a $59.99 “God Bless the USA“ Bible (made in China) that includes the Constitution and Trumps campaign song lyrics alongside scripture.

Some see this as crossing a line. “Im getting attacked on Facebook. Im being told by several people‚ Im going to go to jail and Im breaking the law‚ and you cant have politics in church“ Reed mentioned after the event. But heʼs not worried - his church isnt registered as a non-profit‚ so he can say what he wants.

Democrats arent sitting this out. Theyʼve launched “Souls to the Polls“ efforts and Kamala Harris has been visiting Black churches. But Trumps team is going further‚ with some supporters saying heʼs “anointed“ to fight “spiritual warfare“ against Democrats.

Unless Jesus Christ is on the ballot‚ youre always choosing between the lesser of two evils

Not everyoneʼs on board. Some evangelical leaders have started an “Evangelicals for Harris“ campaign. And Trump has had missteps‚ like incorrectly claiming a Detroit pastor supported him when heʼs actually backing Harris.

With the election just weeks away both sides are pushing hard for the faith vote. But this blend of politics and religion is raising questions about wheres the line between church and state - and whether its being crossed