Controversial ‘God Bless America’ Bible Endorsed by Trump Amid Legal Battles and Criticism from Religious Circles

Former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by endorsing and selling a patriotic edition of the Christian Bible themed around Lee Greenwood’s hit song “God Bless the USA.” The $59.99 book, which features an American flag cover and texts such as the US Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance, and lyrics from Greenwood’s song inside, has been criticized by religious circles for blurring the lines between politics and faith. Critics argue that Trump is violating one of Christianity’s Ten Commandments against taking God’s name in vain and promoting a specific Christian ideology tied to prejudice, nativism, white supremacy, and American nationalism under the guise of patriotism. Some have called it sacrilege, heresy or borderline offensive, while others point out that such combinations overlook many Christians who do not agree with Trump’s politics. The “God Bless America” Bible draws criticism from publishers when HarperCollins Christian Publishing initially passed on the deal as well because of its controversial theme in publishing it coincided with several expensive legal battles against Donald J. Trump, although this claim is refuted by the company who said that pushback to the concept was not a factor in their decision. The Bible’s FAQ section clarifies that no proceeds from sales will go towards his presidential campaign but mentions CIC Ventures LLC as directly linked with him through its principal and affiliate’s licenses on his name, image or likeness, raising further questions about Trump’s motivations for promoting the book. The endorsement has also been criticized by religious leaders in 2020 who condemned another instance when Donald J. Trump used a Bible display outside an Episcopal church near the White House during protests against police brutality and systemic racism, with Pat Robertson urging him not to do so as it isn’t cool!