Axios co-founder Jim VandeHei expressed shock at President Donald Trump's harsh attack on Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, following a Truth Social post by the president depicting himself as Jesus Christ.
Though Trump removed the image, VandeHei warned that the damage was already done with religious supporters and some MAGA fans.
VandeHei cautioned that Trump is "playing with fire with the base," noting religious voters don't treat faith as a joke. He predicted that Trump's approval numbers would collapse further as supporters gradually abandon him over such provocations.
He highlighted Trump's declining coalition support, noting he is losing young Americans, Hispanics, and major MAGA podcasters despite maintaining influence over his core base.
VandeHei also predicted Republicans face significant House losses and a 50/50 chance of losing the Senate due to eroding support.
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