On the campaign trail, Trump vowed to root out anti-Christian bias and embrace his “beautiful Christians.” A particular form of Christianity – Christian Nationalism – is informing the Trump coalition. Trump has appointed avowed Christian nationalists like head of OMB Russell Vought and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has said the country is in a “spiritual battle.” In a podcast, Hegseth said, “Our American Crusade is not about literal swords, and our fight is not with guns. Yet.” We talk with experts about the agenda and influence of the Christian nationalist movement.

Guests:

Sarah McCammon, National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast, McCammon is the author of "The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church"

Katherine Stewart, journalist and author, Stewart is the author of "Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" and "Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

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