Donald Trump had a major influence on social conservatism in the United States, despite not fitting the traditional mold of a socially conservative leader. During his presidency, he aligned closely with the religious right and conservative groups, supporting key issues like opposition to abortion, defense of religious freedom, and the appointment of conservative judges. His nomination of three Supreme Court justices helped lead to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a long-standing goal of social conservatives. Trump also rolled back LGBTQ+ protections and supported policies that favored traditional family values, earning strong backing from evangelical voters. While some questioned the sincerity of his beliefs, Trump effectively became a powerful vehicle for advancing the social conservative agenda. His influence helped reshape the Republican Party’s priorities and solidify the role of social conservatism as a central force in American politics during and after his presidency.
