Four Weeks of Trump (Again): A Pastor’s Honest Take

Four Weeks of Trump (Again): A Pastor’s Honest Take

Well, here we are again. Today is President's Day, and it’s been four weeks since President Donald J. Trump was sworn back into office. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard “I can’t believe this is happening,” I’d be halfway to buying a new church van with a wheelchair lift.

But it is happening, and as a pastor, my job isn’t to ride political waves but to plant my feet firmly on the Rock that never moves. That said, politics affect real people, and real people matter to God. So, let’s take an honest look—biblically, practically, and with a tiny dose of humor—at what these first few weeks have looked like.

The Return of the Trump Era

If Trump’s first presidency was a political earthquake, his return feels more like a controlled demolition. The media is apoplectic, X is ablaze, and half of Washington looks like they just bit into a persimmon before it was ripe.

Trump wasted no time in making headlines. Within hours of his inauguration, he signed a flurry of executive orders—reinstating energy projects, reversing several Biden-era policies, and cracking down on illegal immigration. If you’re conservative, you probably saw this as a much-needed course correction. If you lean left, you probably felt like you were watching a bull kick its way through a china shop. Either way, the man came ready to play.

Immigration: Secure the Borders, Soften the Hearts

One of Trump’s biggest moves has been restarting border wall construction and ramping up deportations. Critics say it’s harsh. Supporters say it’s necessary. The Bible says both justice and mercy belong to the Lord (Micah 6:8).

I believe a country has the right—no, the responsibility—to secure its borders. Scripture affirms the role of government in maintaining order (Romans 13:1-7). But let’s be real—if your faith only makes room for national security and not for compassion, you’re doing it wrong. Yes, illegal immigration is a problem. But let’s also remember that many who cross the border are desperate people, some fleeing real evil.

Can we be pro-border security and pro-human dignity? I think so. And no, that doesn't include putting a $1,000 bounty on individual's heads, like what was attempted in my home state of Mississippi (SMH). The realities of a strong immigration policy and what that means for individuals currently in the U.S. has been a frequent topic of conversation and prayer in a Tuesday prayer group of which I'm a part. It's messy, and we're praying it doesn't get messier but that our nation is more secure and our families remain safe.

The Church’s role in this? The same as it’s always been. Love our neighbors. Share the gospel. Help the helpless. And when we talk about immigration, let’s make sure our voices reflect the kingdom of Christ more than the kingdom of cable news.

The Economy: Boom or Bubble?

The stock market has been doing backflips since Trump took office again, and business owners are sighing in relief as regulations shrink faster than my patience in long-winded business meetings. Lower taxes, American energy independence, and a pro-business stance have sparked optimism.

But (and there’s always a “but”), the national debt is still a monster under the bed, and inflation isn’t exactly packing its bags just because there’s a new sheriff in town. Short-term booms are great, but if the government keeps spending like a teenager with a credit card, we’re going to feel it sooner or later. Proverbs 22:7 reminds us that “the borrower is the slave of the lender.” America is still very much in debt. A strong economy today won’t mean much if it collapses tomorrow.

As believers, our trust isn’t in the stock market, the Federal Reserve, or even the President of the United States. Our provision comes from the Lord. Whether the economy thrives or tanks, our calling stays the same—be wise stewards, live generously, and don’t let the love of money take root where only the love of Christ should be.

The Battle for the Culture

If Trump’s first term was a battle, his second term looks like a full-on culture war. Within days, his administration cut federal funding to schools pushing gender ideology and reaffirmed religious freedom protections for businesses and churches.

For conservative Christians, this felt like an overdue victory lap. For progressives, it felt like an assault. But here’s my concern—while laws and policies matter, they can’t change hearts. You can’t legislate revival. You can’t executive-order your way to repentance. Culture isn’t transformed by political power but by gospel proclamation.

I’m grateful for policies that protect biblical values, but let’s be careful not to confuse political wins with spiritual victories. A nation that returns to conservative policies without returning to Christ is still lost. Our mission hasn’t changed—preach the gospel, make disciples, and trust that the real power isn’t in Washington, but in the Word of God.

The Elephant in the Room: The Man Himself

Now, I know what some of y’all are thinking: “Pastor, what about Trump himself?”

Look, I’m not here to canonize or crucify him. He’s got strengths—he’s bold, he keeps his promises (mostly), and he’s as tough as a two-dollar steak. But he’s also Trump. The man tweets like a middle schooler with unlimited data, and if humility is a virtue, well… let’s just say it’s not his spiritual gift.

I can appreciate his policies while also recognizing his flaws. And that’s okay. Our hope was never meant to rest on a political figure—whether it’s Trump, Reagan, or some future leader yet to rise. Psalm 146:3 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.”

What I pray for Trump is what I pray for every leader: that he would seek wisdom, govern justly, and—if he has not already—come to know Jesus in a way that transforms his heart. Because in the end, the fate of America doesn’t rest in the White House. It rests in the hands of a sovereign God.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Four weeks in, and the nation feels as divided as ever. Some are rejoicing, some are resisting, and some are just plain exhausted.

As believers, let’s rise above the noise. Let’s pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), love our neighbors (even the ones we politically disagree with), and remember that no earthly kingdom lasts forever. America will one day fade, but the Kingdom of God is unshakable.

And hey, if history tells us anything, the next four weeks will probably give us even more to talk about.

Until then, keep your faith anchored in Christ, keep your heart set on eternity, and—if you must engage in political debates—at least buy your opponent a cup of coffee first. It’s the Christian thing to do.

Endnotes

1. “Trump Signs Executive Order Restarting Border Wall Construction,” The New York Times, January 21, 2025.

2. Mississippi Free Press. “Immigrant ‘Bounty Hunting’ Bill Dead, But Fears Live on for Vulnerable Mississippi Communities.” Mississippi Free Press, February 15, 2024. https://www.mississippifreepress.org/immigrant-bounty-hunting-bill-dead-but-fears-live-on-for-vulnerable-mississippi-communities/.

3. “U.S. Economy Surges as Trump Cuts Regulations, But Debt Remains High,” Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2025.

4. “Trump Revokes Biden-Era Education Policies on Gender Identity,” The Washington Post, January 29, 2025.