As former President Donald Trump continues his fiery public feud with Pope Leo XIV, his MAGA base is demonstrating unwavering loyalty, with a decisive majority choosing their political leader over the Holy Father in this high-profile clash.
Poll Reveals Stark Partisan Divide
According to the latest Daily Mail/JL Partners poll, an overwhelming 81 percent of Trump voters approve of the President, and 67 percent of Republicans side with Trump over the Pope in their ongoing spat. This contrasts sharply with the broader American population, where just 30 percent of all respondents back Trump compared to 41 percent for the Pope.
Core Supporters Remain Unshaken
Among his core supporters, the verdict is unambiguous, illustrating the deep loyalty Trump commands within his base even amid a religious controversy. The poll reveals a fierce partisan divide: 67 percent of Democrats back the Pope and a mere 6 percent pick Trump.
Overall, nearly half of Americans—49 percent—approve of the Pope compared to just 11 percent who disapprove. Notably, 65 percent of Trump's own voters still view him favorably, underscoring his stronghold despite the clash.
Feud Intensifies Over Policy and Imagery
Trump has slammed the first American Pope in recent days over the Vatican's objection to his war with Iran and his immigrant deportation policy. The feud escalated dramatically after Trump posted an AI-generated image portraying himself as Jesus Christ.
The image depicted Trump draped in white with a red shawl, hands glowing with divine light, as he healed a patient in a hospital bed while a soldier, a nurse, and others looked on in adoration. He later deleted the post, claiming he had intended it to depict him as a doctor.
Backlash and Public Perception
The provocative image drew a furious backlash, with 49 percent of Americans calling it 'deeply offensive' and only a small minority viewing it positively or as a joke. A decisive 85 percent of Americans say Trump is not comparable to Jesus, including 83 percent of his own 2024 voters.
Broader Cultural and Religious Views
Views on religion in politics remain sharply divided: 49 percent say religious leaders should avoid directly criticizing political figures, against 39 percent who believe they have a right—or duty—to speak out. On the broader cultural picture, 38 percent of Americans say the country has grown less religious in recent years, while 26 percent believe it has become more so.
Poll Methodology and Margins
The poll surveyed 1,011 registered voters online between April 14 and 15. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, providing a reliable snapshot of public opinion amid this contentious feud.
