This Saturday (June 1) marks the fourth anniversary of an infamous presidential Bible moment. Even more than Donald Trump hawking the “God Bless the USA Bible,” the image of him awkwardly holding a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church in 2020 continues to epitomize his abuse of Christian symbols. And the images from that day offer an important insight into the development of Christian Nationalism in the United States.
Waltzing across Lafayette Square after police teargassed Black Lives Matter protesters — including clergy on church property — Trump stood in front of the church’s parish house for a photo op. Although advisers suggested he go over to the church to pray, read a scriptural passage, or meet with clergy, he instead just stood there oddly holding the Bible (but not upside down as is commonly claimed).
