How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life
A growing share of U.S. adults say religion is gaining influence, but most still want churches to stay out of politics, a 2026 survey finds.
Religion & Politics
All
Religion & Politics
Publications
-
-
Americans have become more likely to say Trump is not too or not at all religious
Among Trump’s strongest supporters, relatively few people say they think he is very religious. Just 8% of Republicans and 5% of White evangelicals say this is the case.
-
Many Latin Americans – especially Protestants – see a role for religion in national leadership, identity and laws
Majorities in Brazil, Colombia and Peru want leaders who stand up for their religious beliefs. Protestants are especially supportive of Christianity in public life.
-
Religious Radio Across America
Almost all U.S. adults live in range of a religious radio station, most commonly Christian radio. Stations tend to broadcast either mostly music or mostly talk.
-
White evangelicals remain among Trump’s strongest supporters, but they’re less supportive than a year ago
There has been an 8-percentage point drop since early 2025 in the share of White evangelicals who support all or most of Trump’s plans and policies.
-
Religiousness varies a lot by race among Democrats, relatively little among Republicans
In general, U.S. adults who are Republican or lean toward the GOP are more religious than Democrats and Democratic leaners.
-
If the U.S. had 100 people: Charting Americans’ religious affiliations
If the U.S. had 100 people, 62 would be Christians, including 40 Protestants, 19 Catholics, two Latter-day Saints and two who identify with other Christian groups.
-
5 facts about religion in Nigeria
As of 2020, Muslims made up a majority of Nigeria’s total population (56.1%), while Christians made up 43.4%.
-
Most Americans Don’t Believe God Played a Role in Recent Presidential Election Outcomes
Few Americans say God chooses presidential election winners because of their policies. Most U.S. Christians say that “good Christians” do not need to take a particular view on Trump.
-
Muslim Americans share political attitudes with both the Democratic and Republican parties
Around half of Muslim adults (53%) identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, while 42% identity with or lean toward the Republican Party.
