Opinion: Mixing Religion and Politics Crosses the Line

A columnist argues that the president's attempt to link his political agenda with Christian holidays is offensive and inappropriate.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:30am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary church pew in warm, golden light and deep shadows, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and the complex relationship between religion and politics.An empty church pew reflects the troubling intersection of faith and political power.Memphis Today

In a column, Larry Persily criticizes President Donald Trump for urging Republicans in Congress to delay their Easter break to pass the SAVE Act, a bill Trump claims will save the country from illegal voting but is really about saving his own political future. Persily argues that Trump is inappropriately mixing religion and politics by invoking Jesus Christ to promote his partisan goals, which he sees as a violation of the separation of church and state.

Why it matters

The president's attempt to tie his political agenda to Christian holidays raises concerns about the inappropriate blending of religion and politics, which goes against principles of religious freedom and the secular nature of the American government.

The details

Persily had originally planned to write a humorous column criticizing people who constantly check their phones during conversations, but decided to shift the focus to a more serious issue - President Trump's remarks urging Republicans to delay their Easter break to pass the SAVE Act, which Persily says is really about Trump trying to hold onto political power. Persily argues that Trump's statement telling Republicans to 'Make this one for Jesus' is an offensive attempt to link his partisan goals with Christian faith.

  • On April 3, 2026, Persily published his column criticizing Trump's remarks.
  • A week prior, on March 27, 2026, Trump urged Republicans in Congress to delay their Easter break to pass the SAVE Act.

The players

Larry Persily

A longtime Alaska journalist who has also worked in public policy, and is currently the publisher of the Wrangell Sentinel weekly newspaper.

President Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who Persily criticizes for inappropriately mixing religion and politics.

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What they’re saying

“Don't worry about Easter, going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus.”

— President Donald Trump

The takeaway

Persily's column highlights the concerning trend of political leaders using religious rhetoric and imagery to advance their partisan agendas, which undermines the separation of church and state and raises questions about the appropriate role of faith in American politics.