The Gospel According to Trump: How “Girls Gone Bible” Is Selling Christianity to Young Women

The recent success of the Girls Gone Bible podcast and tour has left many in the secular community perplexed. Hosts Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma have created a brand that appears to be about empowerment, self-improvement, and spirituality – but beneath the surface lies a more insidious message.

At first glance, the Girls Gone Bible tour seems like a refreshing alternative to other popular podcasts. Halili and Reitsma are young, charismatic, and unapologetically Christian as they tackle topics that resonate with young women such as codependency, anxiety, and body image. They describe themselves as “two imperfect girls serving an absolutely perfect God” – a message that resonates deeply with listeners who feel disillusioned by mainstream Christianity’s increasingly oppressive tone.

However, beneath their girl-next-door facade, Halili and Reitsma are promoting a specific brand of Christianity tied to the Trump administration’s Christian nationalist agenda. The fact that they’ve been invited to pray at Donald Trump’s inauguration and have opened his “victory rally” with a prayer that included lines such as “in the life of President Donald Trump, as it is in heaven” should raise concerns.

The hosts’ avoidance of explicitly political messages is telling. By focusing on personal struggles and spiritual growth, they sidestep the very real controversies surrounding Christian nationalism – from the secretary of defense’s ties to anti-feminist pastors to the health secretary’s invocation of “spiritual warfare.” This approach allows them to tap into the same cultural currents as other right-wing influencers while maintaining a veneer of relatability.

Kelsey Hanson Woodruff, a scholar of American religious history, notes that Halili and Reitsma’s “come-as-you-are” branding has deep roots in evangelism. By emphasizing personal conversion stories and downplaying theological doctrine, they create a space that feels welcoming and inclusive – even if their ultimate goal is to woo women back into a faith that increasingly preaches their oppression.

The statistics are stark: 40% of female respondents under the age of 30 claim no affiliation with organized religion, up from 29% in 2013. It’s little wonder, given the rise of Christian nationalism tied to Trump’s administration. The Girls Gone Bible tour is a prime example of how Christianity can be repackaged and resold to young women who feel disillusioned by mainstream culture.

But what about the women attending these events? Do they know – or care – that their hosts are associated with the same Christian nationalist movement that has emboldened anti-feminist pastors and politicians? Genesis Gesualdo, a 33-year-old woman who converted to Christianity less than a week ago, told me she was looking forward to “rejoicing” at the event. When asked about her thoughts on the hosts’ politics, she politely excused herself – a telling response that speaks volumes about the compartmentalization of faith and politics in America.

The success of Girls Gone Bible is a wake-up call for those of us who care about feminism, secularism, and critical thinking. As we watch this brand continue to grow and gain traction, it’s essential that we critically examine the message they’re peddling – and the implications it has for young women seeking spiritual guidance.