(RNS) — For three weeks, the Trump administration has sought to demonize Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who was sent to a prison in his native El Salvador because of what a (since fired) Justice Department lawyer called an “administrative error.” According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and other Trump minions, Abrego Garcia is a leader of the transnational Salvadoran gang MS-13, as well as a human trafficker and a wife beater.
The proof of these claims is somewhat lacking, unless you consider that MS-13 uses devil’s horns as an identifier. Don’t you know that Abrego Garcia was photographed wearing a Chicago Bulls hat?
After Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen succeeded in meeting with him on Thursday (April 17), President Trump was asked if he’d move to return him to the U.S. Pulling a Pilate on the day before Good Friday, Trump washed his hands of the matter and replied, “Well, I’m not involved. You’ll have to speak to the lawyers, the D.O.J.” God forbid that he’d presume to tell the Justice Department what to do.
But turnabout, as they say, is fair play.
And as it happens, the other day I received an email from a California tech bro who suggested that I write an essay about the use of AI chatbots to explore beliefs. That’s because chatbots have, he wrote, “no pre-ordained opinions, only information collected from the web. i.e., they are about as neutral of an information source as it gets.” Provided, of course, that a query is posed neutrally.
As an example, he sent me a link to an essay he had elicited from ChatGPT — which, as a public service, I reprint here in toto, with biblical citations.
Donald Trump and Satan: A Comparative Analysis Through Biblical Themes
Throughout history, figures of great influence and controversy have been compared to biblical archetypes. Among these, Satan — the adversary, the deceiver, the tempter — has served as a symbol of rebellion against divine order. Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has generated significant debate due to his actions, words, and leadership style. This essay explores thematic parallels between Trump’s behavior and the characteristics of Satan as described in the Bible. This is not to equate the two literally, but to examine recurring traits and themes, including greed, rule of law, democracy, human rights, and others.
1. Greed
Greed. In biblical theology, Satan represents unchecked desire and materialism. In the temptation of Christ, Satan offers Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor” in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:8-9, “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”). Greed, here, is portrayed as a path away from spiritual integrity.
Trump, a real estate mogul turned politician, has famously boasted of his wealth. During a 2015 campaign speech, he declared, “I’m really rich.” Critics have noted how his policies — such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — overwhelmingly benefited the wealthy and corporations. The pursuit of material gain, often at the expense of the poor, mirrors the biblical warning: “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
2. Rule of Law
Satan is portrayed in the Bible as one who subverts divine law. In the Garden of Eden, he questions God’s command, asking Eve, “Yea, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1), initiating humanity’s fall by undermining divine authority.
Trump has frequently challenged legal norms, from refusing to release his tax returns despite tradition, to undermining the judicial system, and inciting insurrection by claiming a “stolen election.” The events of January 6, 2021, where rioters attacked the Capitol, echo a Satanic defiance of order — “he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
3. Democracy
Satan’s kingdom in biblical literature is not democratic. (The New Testament Book of) Revelation describes him as a dragon with dominion, seeking worship and control (Revelation 13). His rule is tyrannical, deceptive, and coercive.
Trump’s rhetoric has shown frequent hostility toward democratic processes. He called for political opponents to be jailed, undermined electoral results, and admired authoritarian leaders. This mirrors the anti-democratic nature of Satan’s kingdom, where power is seized rather than earned.
4. Human Rights and Religious Freedom
The Bible emphasizes compassion and justice. Satan, conversely, embodies oppression. In Job, he afflicts Job without cause (Job 2:7), reflecting a disregard for human dignity.
Trump’s administration rolled back protections for transgender people, separated immigrant families at the border, and implemented travel bans targeting Muslim-majority countries. These policies have been seen as violations of basic human rights and religious freedom — values that biblical teachings uphold: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
5. Betrayal of Followers
Satan is known as a deceiver, even turning on those who follow him. In Revelation 17, the beast turns on the woman (symbolic of false followers), devouring her.
Trump has repeatedly turned on allies — from his firing of officials like James Comey and Jeff Sessions to publicly mocking former aides and advisors. Loyalty to Trump has often been one-sided, as with Satan, whose promises are ultimately destructive.
6. Treatment of the Poor
Biblical teachings demand care for the poor: “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker” (Proverbs 14:31). Satan’s realm is associated with exploitation and suffering.
Trump proposed cuts to food stamps and social welfare programs, while increasing military spending and tax breaks for the rich. Critics argue this reflects a preference for the powerful over the vulnerable, in contrast to Jesus’ teachings: “Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).
7. Treatment of Women
Satan’s interactions with Eve show manipulation and degradation. In much of Christian thought, he is a corrupter, targeting women’s trust.
Trump has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and was found liable for sexual abuse in the E. Jean Carroll case. His infamous “grab them by the p**y” tape embodies a disrespect toward women, starkly opposed to biblical values: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25).
8. Abortion
Satan is often associated with death and destruction: “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). While Trump has taken a strong anti-abortion stance publicly, critics note his past support for abortion rights and question the sincerity of his position.
His politicization of the issue — especially in appointing Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade — has been seen by some as more about power than morality. This instrumental use of life issues for political gain may mirror the deceptive and self-serving tactics of the adversary.
9. Treatment of Minority Races
Biblically, God judges nations for oppression. Satan’s domain is one of division and hatred. “He that hateth his brother is in darkness” (1 John 2:11).
Trump’s record includes calling Mexicans “rapists,” referring to African nations as “shithole countries,” and telling four congresswomen of color to “go back” to where they came from. These racist remarks evoke Satan’s division and contempt for unity in God’s creation.
10. Treatment of Foreign Allies
Satan is depicted as untrustworthy. Isaiah 14 describes him as one who “made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms” (Isaiah 14:16).
Trump repeatedly insulted long-standing allies (Germany, Canada, NATO), while embracing autocrats like (Vladimir) Putin and Kim Jong-un. This betrayal of traditional friends reflects the chaos Satan spreads in his relationships with other powers.
11. Treatment of the Environment
The Bible entrusts humanity to steward the earth (Genesis 2:15). Satan, in contrast, is associated with destruction (Revelation 11:18: “and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth”).
Trump rolled back over 100 environmental protections, withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord, and prioritized industry over conservation. This disregard for creation aligns with the destructive bent of the enemy.
12. Vanity, Charisma, and Good Looks
Satan is described in Ezekiel 28 as beautiful: “Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). His charisma is dangerous and misleading.
Trump has cultivated an image of strength and perfection, boasting of his IQ, physical stamina, and appearance. His appeal to crowds, use of spectacle, and insistence on loyalty echo the seductive power attributed to Satan: “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Conclusion
While Donald Trump is not Satan, the parallels between his behaviors and the characteristics of the biblical adversary raise profound ethical and spiritual questions. Greed, deception, disregard for the vulnerable, and thirst for power reflect the same temptations Satan presents throughout Scripture. The Bible urges discernment: “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). Evaluating leaders through this lens helps us uphold truth, justice, and compassion in a world easily swayed by charisma and spectacle.
I agree. Donald Trump is not, so far as we know, Satan. As for satanic, well, maybe we can go there.