Pastor Robert Jeffress is stirring debate after publicly declaring that President Donald Trump has a “better understanding” of biblical government than Pope Leo XIV amid rising tensions over Iran, war and the role of nations in confronting evil.
Speaking during a recent Fox News appearance, Jeffress defended Trump’s stance on military action and national security while criticizing the pope’s repeated calls for de-escalation and restraint.
“It looks like President Trump has a better understanding of what the Bible teaches than the Pope,” Jeffress said, according to The Daily Beast.
Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas and one of Trump’s longtime evangelical allies, pointed to Romans 13 — a chapter frequently cited in discussions about government authority — to argue that civil leaders are biblically authorized to confront evil and protect their citizens.
According to The Independent, Jeffress said the pope was “sincerely wrong” in his interpretation of how nations should respond to threats like Iran.
Clash Over War and Peace
The comments come during an increasingly public divide between Trump and Pope Leo XIV over foreign policy and military escalation in the Middle East.
Jeffress framed the issue as a distinction between the church’s mission and the government’s responsibility.
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While the church is called to preach peace and reconciliation, he argued, governments are tasked by God with restraining evil and protecting innocent lives.
A Longtime Trump Ally
Jeffress has remained one of Trump’s most outspoken evangelical defenders for years.
As The Daily Beast noted, the Texas pastor endorsed Trump during the 2016 election cycle, participated in White House faith events, and delivered prayers at Trump’s inauguration. He has consistently defended the president on political, theological and cultural issues.
The Spiritual Debate Behind the Headlines
As global tensions rise and world leaders clash over how to confront evil, many Christians are once again wrestling with the balance between justice and mercy, strength and humility, peace and protection.
The debate serves as another reminder to pray for leaders, seek biblical wisdom and discern the times with spiritual clarity.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
