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In President Ronald Reagan’s farewell address to the nation, he said, “I’ve thought a bit of the shining city upon a hill. The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom man…I’ve spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don’t know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.”[i]
Reagan’s vision of America as a strong, protected, God-blessed nation was perfectly summarized by his correlation of the City on the Hill with Christianity. Being a “light of the world,” as Matthew 5:14 describes, is represented by the “city on a hill.”
The new Trump administration can make history by restoring similar American pride and Christian identity.
The House and Senate are led by devout Christians Mike Johnson and John Thune. Likewise, key cabinet members such as Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, Sean Duffy, Doug Collins, Kristi Noem and others are known believers. President Trump has positioned his second administration on patriotism and has appointed many who have been highly vocal about their Christian faith.
With the Senate most likely confirming all cabinet appointees, the new administration will follow the model of Reagan’s cabinet, which included prominent conservative Christians.
The implications of focusing the nation’s cabinet upon conservatism and outspoken Christians are significant. Trump’s picks have not shied away from their faith but have proudly proclaimed their reliance on Jesus Christ, as Pete Hegseth did in his confirmation hearing.
While the United States has an essential separation of church and state, paving the way for religious freedom, the nation has a rich history connected to Christianity. From the “shot heard round the world” to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the nation’s makeup was centered upon freedom and Christianity. Above all, Christians today still believe God supports those who obey Him and uphold His teachings.
Pundits regularly warn that we are living in some of the most dangerous times in history, with nuclear threats becoming increasingly hostile to the American way of life. Admittedly, having an administration made up of several faithful believers gives Americans a sigh of relief and optimism for the future.
President Trump has been a champion of Christian rights and protections. Evangelicals have always come out in large numbers to support him because his policies have safeguarded their ideals. Over the next four years, we can expect protection, economic growth, and a resurgence of Christian principles.
In these uncertain times, the Trump administration’s commitment to a conservative agenda offers hope for the future. Christians can remain optimistic and pray that Reagan’s vision of America as a “shining city on a hill” has an opportunity to re-appear, bringing forth a renewed sense of freedom, purpose, and faith across the nation. America can once again be restored to the dominant and powerful example of liberty.
The government and Trump’s faith-based cabinet can reaffirm America’s founding principles of freedom and morality. From patriotism to Christianity, Trump’s administration can make our nation stronger and a better example to the world, ultimately leaving a legacy of faith and freedom.
[i] Ronald Reagan, “Farewell Address to the Nation,” speech, January 11, 1989, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, accessed January 16, 2025, https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/farewell-address-nation.