7 Christian Leaders Reflect on President Trump's Inauguration

On Monday, Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds said that they are praying for President Trump as he begins his four-year term of leading the nation. Trump is the first president since Grover Cleveland in the 1880s and 1890s to serve two non-consecutive terms. In November, he became only the second Republican President since 1988 to win the popular vote. 

Here is what seven Christian leaders said about Trump.

1. Greg Laurie, evangelist and pastor, Harvest Riverside, Calif.

"Congratulations to Donald J. Trump on being elected as the 47th President of the United States of America. May the Lord surround him with godly people who provide wise counsel as he leads our nation during this critical time in American history. God bless him, and God bless the United States of America!"

Here are my thoughts and prayers for today:

Congratulations to Donald J. Trump on being elected as the 47th President of the United States of America. May the Lord surround him with godly people who provide wise counsel as he leads our nation during this critical time in… pic.twitter.com/Ly4IvePyxX

— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) January 20, 2025

2. Clint Pressley, President of Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.

"On this historic day, Southern Baptists join together in prayer for President @realDonaldTrump as he begins his second term. May his leadership be guided by biblical wisdom, fostering unity and justice for all. We also lift up Vice President @JDVance, asking for strength and discernment in his new role."

On this historic day, Southern Baptists join together in prayer for President @realDonaldTrump as he begins his second term. May his leadership be guided by biblical wisdom, fostering unity and justice for all. We also lift up Vice President @JDVance, asking for strength and…

— Clint Pressley (@pastorclint) January 20, 2025

3. George Yancey, professor of social sciences, Baylor University

"Starting today, I will be praying for President Trump just like I did for President Biden. For a Christian, this should be a bipartisan action."

Starting today I will be praying for President Trump just like I did for President Biden. For a Christian, this should be a bipartisan action.

— George Yancey (@profyancey) January 20, 2025

4. Joel Rosenberg, author, and editor-in-chief of All Israel News and All Arab News

"Regardless of your political views, please pray faithfully for President Trump, his family, and his team — for wisdom, protection, and success as, Lord willing, they guide the United States into a new era of peace, security, and prosperity and stand close to America's allies."

Regardless of your political views, please pray faithfully for President Trump, his family, and his team — for wisdom, protection, and success as, Lord willing, they guide the United States into a new era of peace, security, and prosperity and stand close to America’s allies. pic.twitter.com/OVIkxkYLuX

— Joel C. Rosenberg (@JoelCRosenberg) January 20, 2025

5. Alveda C. King, pro-life advocate, and niece of Martin Luther King Jr. 

"History in the making! On this special day, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring dream of faith, freedom, and justice for all. As we also mark Inauguration Day, we honor those who continue to fight for unity and truth in a divided world. Together, we are called to keep his dream alive-not just in words but through action and faith-filled leadership. Let's strive for a nation that reflects God's love and justice in all we do!"

History in the making! On this special day, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring dream of faith, freedom, and justice for all.

As we also mark Inauguration Day, we honor those who continue to fight for unity and truth in a divided world. Together, we are called to… pic.twitter.com/VQdqsaxT7D

— Alveda C. King, Ph.D. (@AlvedaCKing) January 20, 2025

6. Ed Stetzer, dean, Talbot School of Theology

"I hope you will join me in praying for @POTUS @RealDonaldTrump and our nation. I pray for Christians to have the courage to support the President when he does well, to speak up prophetically when he does wrong, and to work to make this a better nation every day. I hope you will join me in this prayer, which I pray at the beginning of each presidential term."

I hope you will join me in praying for @POTUS @RealDonaldTrump and our nation.

I pray for Christians to have the courage to support the President when he does well, to speak up prophetically when he does wrong, and to work to make this a better nation every day.

I hope you…

— Ed Stetzer (@edstetzer) January 20, 2025

7. Kathie Lee Gifford, author and actress

"As for God, His way is perfect. The WORD of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30. Almighty God, today we rejoice in Your sovereignty and Your power. We find sweet comfort in Your love for us and Your forgiveness for us. We pray for President Trump and his family as they begin to lead us as a nation and as a people. Make Your face shine upon us, LORD, we pray, and grant us Your peace. AMEN."

As for God, His way is perfect. The WORD of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30.
Almighty God, today we rejoice in Your sovereignty and Your power. We find sweet comfort in Your love for us and Your forgiveness for us.
We pray for…

— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) January 20, 2025

Photo Credit: ©X/@greglaurie/@AlvedaCKing

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Originally published January 20, 2025.