God’s Chosen Nation: How White Christian Nationalism is Reshaping America and the World

 From the 19th century to today, the belief in American exceptionalism has justified territorial conquests, military interventions, and domestic policies that reinforce racial and religious hierarchies. Under President Trump’s leadership, this ideology is shifting—not just as a tool for global supremacy, but as a defense of national identity against perceived threats. As the U.S. repositions itself in a rapidly changing world, the question emerges: Is America’s divine mission turning inward?

From Manifest Destiny to the Battle Between Good and Evil

The idea that the United States has a God-given destiny has shaped its expansionist policies since the 19th century. Manifest Destiny justified the annexation of vast territories and the forced displacement of Indigenous peoples. It reinforced the belief that America was not just a country, but a sacred project, one divinely ordained to spread its values across the continent.

This ideological framework persisted long after territorial expansion ended. During the War on Terror, President George W. Bush framed America’s response to 9/11 as a moral obligation to destroy evil and spread democracy. This language mirrored the ideological zeal of the past, positioning the U.S. as a global enforcer of divine justice.

Now, under Trump, the emphasis has shifted. Rather than expanding outward, America is fortifying itself against perceived internal and external threats. Immigration, diversity initiatives, and progressive social movements are now framed as existential dangers. The rhetoric remains the same—America is still seen as a righteous force in a battle between good and evil—but this time, the fight is not just overseas. It is within its own borders.

As America’s global supremacy is challenged, its divine mission is no longer about outward expansion—it is about defending the traditional way of life at home. And at the heart of that vision is the white middle class.

The White Middle Class -  the Heart of America’s National Identity. 

At the core of American exceptionalism lies the idealized image of the white, middle-class family—a vision of suburban comfort, economic stability, and moral purity. This archetype, deeply ingrained in Hollywood films and political speeches, represents not just a lifestyle but a national identity that must be defended at all costs. It is the neatly trimmed lawns, the white picket fences, the family dinners—a world where patriotism is expressed through small-town diners, Fourth of July parades, and Thanksgiving gatherings.

Politically, this demographic forms the backbone of American conservatism, shaping national priorities around preserving their way of life. When politicians invoke "saving the American Dream" or talk about making America great again, they are calling for the protection of this traditional identity—one unchallenged by diversity, globalization, or progressive values.

But this vision is more than just a cultural aspiration; it is a cause to be defended—by soldiers, by laws, by policy. The military is not merely a fighting force; it is a guardian of this sacred way of life, sent to battle in the name of freedom and the American Dream. Every war the U.S. has fought—from World War II to Vietnam to Iraq—has been framed as a struggle to protect this idealized America. The endless veneration of veterans—seen in sports games, political speeches, and national holidays—reinforces the belief that America is in a perpetual battle to preserve itself against existential threats, both foreign and domestic.

And in today’s America, those threats are increasingly not just abroad, but within. Immigration, civil rights movements, and economic change are framed as forces that erode the purity of this middle-class ideal. The fight against “wokeness,” the rejection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and the rise of White Christian Nationalism all stem from a growing fear: what the America soldiers fight for, the America veterans are honored for defending, is slipping away.

This perceived crisis has driven policies that criminalize and exclude those who do not fit the mold—particularly Black and Latino communities. The war to preserve white middle-class identity has, in many ways, become a war on those seen as a threat to it.

The War on Drugs ( Minorities )

Moral campaigns have not been confined to foreign policy. At home, the idea of America as a pure and orderly society has justified aggressive policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The War on Drugs, launched in the 1980s, was framed as a battle against vice and social decay. In reality, it became a tool for mass incarceration, disproportionately targeting Black and Latino communities.

Under Trump, a similar pattern has emerged. The language of “law and order” is once again at the center of American politics. Crackdowns on crime, voter restrictions, and the dismantling of diversity initiatives have been presented as necessary corrections to a society supposedly weakened by liberal excess. The idea that America must be "restored" implies that something has been lost—specifically, a racial and cultural order that once placed white, Christian identity at the center of national life.

Religion -  the Ultimate Tool of Political Control

From the Puritans to the present day, religion has been inseparable from American governance. Every major political shift has been accompanied by a religious narrative—whether it was the fight against communism in the Cold War, the rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s, or the post-9/11 framing of America as a force for global good.

Trump’s presidency has seen a return to overt religious nationalism. His administration has openly aligned itself with evangelical leaders, appointed religious figures to key government positions, and established a task force on anti-Christian bias—a move that positions Christians as a persecuted group in need of state protection.

But this fusion of faith and politics is not limited to the United States. Across Europe, similar movements are rising—suggesting that White Christian Nationalism is not just an American phenomenon, but a broader ideological shift.

White Christian Nationalism - a Nation of Faith

This shift is part of a larger global movement. Leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Marine Le Pen in France, and Giorgia Meloni in Italy have embraced Christian identity politics, rejecting multiculturalism and portraying immigration as a threat to national survival.

In recent years, far-right European figures have openly praised Trump, seeing him as a model for their own nationalist agendas. Conferences and political gatherings have brought together MAGA supporters and European far-right leaders, solidifying a transatlantic network of ideological allies.

If White Christian Nationalism seeks to preserve America’s identity as a nation of faith and tradition, then “meritocracy” becomes a convenient justification for ensuring power remains in the hands of those who best represent that vision—white, conservative Christians.

Is This the Last Stand for White Christian Hegemony?

As the 21st century unfolds, a new ideological divide is becoming apparent:

• The West (U.S. and Europe) is increasingly embracing White Christian nationalism, rolling back diversity policies, and positioning itself against global multiculturalism.
• The Global South (Africa, Latin America, BRICS nations) continues to advocate for racial justice, economic independence, and multipolar governance.

What is certain is that America’s vision of itself is changing. If this movement succeeds, it will not just redefine domestic policies—it will reshape the global order. The question is no longer whether America is still God’s chosen nation, but what kind of nation it is choosing to become.