Evangelicals gave Trump Iowa — what he now owes them could transform U.S. society: op-ed

In the wake of Donald Trump's Iowa caucuses victory that has brought him one step closer to the GOP presidential nomination, it's clear that the majority of his support came from evangelicals — Salon's Chauncey Devega wrote Friday.

And they're going to want something in return.

Devega wrote that it's no accident that Trump was able to get evangelicals on his side. "Theirs is a strategic alliance based on an alignment of interests, goals, and a craven desire for unlimited power," he contends.

"Ultimately, the Christian right supports Donald Trump and the MAGA movement because he has promised them great and special power and authority over American society and life," Devega writes. "As demonstrated by his Supreme Court appointments and other policies during his first regime, Trump has mostly delivered on these promises and bargains."

Also read: James Comer slammed for 'cherry-picked' release of Hunter Biden pal's testimony

In return for their support, Trump is promising evangelicals more power, and as the 2024 election approaches and his criminal trials reach a fever pitch, "he will escalate his hate sermons and claims of divinity and unlimited power."

Devega points to a recent piece published at The Atlantic by Tom Nichols, who explains what he says are the true motivations of Trump's supporters.

"The Republican base actively embraces Trump’s grievances; it emulates his pettiness; it supports his childlike inability to accept responsibility," Nichols writes. "These voters are not sighing in resignation and voting for the lesser of two or three or four evils. They are getting what they want — because they, too, are set on revenge."

According to Devega, no one should have that kind of power, but Trump does.

"There are less than 10 months left to stop Trump and his plans to be America’s first dictator. The American people and their responsible leaders are rapidly running out of time to save their democracy and nation — and they are most certainly not acting with the speed, dedication, earnestness, and levels of commitment necessary to stop this impending disaster," he wrote.

Read the full op-ed over at Salon.