Donald Trump says he is Christian. More specifically he is Presbyterian, which is a form of Protestantism which traces its roots back to Scotland.

The US president inherited his religion from his British mum, who was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides before moving to New York in 1930 at the age of 18.

His father’s ancestors were Lutheran – another form of Protestantism originating in Germany.

His family attended First Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York, before joining Manhattan’s Marble Collegiate Church in the 1970s.

But Trump did not often attend apart from major occasions like weddings and funerals, according to US Catholic.

The president talked about his religious beliefs during his 2016 presidential campaign, saying his own book The Art of the Deal was his “second favourite book” after the Bible.

But some critics have suggested he is not really a practising Christian and was simply talking up his religious credentials to appeal to the many US Christian voters.

They have pointed to his vague answers when quizzed on religious matters in more detail.

Stories about him nearly putting cash in a Church communion plate, and referring to the holy wine and bread at Church as “my little wine” and “my little cracker” are also often cited.

Why are people asking if the US president is Jewish?

People have been asking if Donald Trump is Jewish for a number of reasons.

Among them is the US president’s strong pro-Israel stance since, especially compared to his predecessor Barack Obama.

Israel was one of his first international visits after coming into office, with only Saudi Arabia coming before.

He is still yet to visit the UK.

Most recently, Trump defied convention and advice from America’s global allies to officially recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The move was a controversial one because the divided city is also claimed by Palestine as its capital, and its status was seen as key to the Middle East peace process.

The state of Israel and the pro-Israel lobby in the US were virtually the only ones to celebrate the decision, which was slammed by US allies around the world.

The president’s daughter Ivanka also converted to Judaism after marrying Jared Kushner, who was made one of his top advisers.

And Trump has spoken fondly about having three Jewish grandchildren.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here