Reimagining Six Trumpian Themes in a Process Spirit
Jay McDaniel
Process theologians find themselves at a critical juncture, confronting the challenges and opportunities presented by Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.
Many process theologians did not vote for Trump. They were repulsed by his character and personal style, and opposed to some (but not all) of his policies. Yet many in America did vote for him, including some influenced by ideas rooted in process theology, such as the belief that God is love. I am part of an adult Sunday School class in which about 90 percent voted for Harris and 10 percent for Trump - with all believing in a God of non-coercive love. We are United Methodist Christians. I was among the 90 percent, but I think it very important for people like me to understand and appreciate the 10 percent. These voters saw Trump’s election as a means to reclaim economic, cultural, and national vitality, avoid unnecessary wars abroad, and assert America’s place as a community within the larger network of nations.
Both Trump’s critics and sympathizers among process thinkers invoked John Cobb’s vision of a "community of communities of communities" as their guiding ideal, yet they interpreted it in starkly different ways. For Trump’s opponents, his combative style and divisive rhetoric seemed antithetical to this ideal. The idea of a "community of community of communities" evokes ideas of love and fellowship, not competition or dominance, For his supporters, however, the Trump movement represented an effort to foster a legitimate network of strong national communities, each exercising autonomy without imposing dominance, including the United States refraining from acting as the world’s policeman. They voted for Trump because they wanted the US to be a strong and vigorous "community" among the community of communities in the world.
The two poles spoke past one another. What to do? One thing is clear: this is not a time for retreat or despair. Instead, it is an invitation to embody the relational and interconnected principles at the heart of process thought, especially in relation to six interrelated themes that resonated with many Trump supporters: economic nationalism, traditional values, border security, deregulation, military isolationism, and the projection of strength. For Trump's supporters, these six themes addressed cultural, economic, and geopolitical anxieties while solidifying Trump’s image as a bold and unconventional leader. For his antagonists, the six themes were anathema if not demonic, especially the racism and mean-spiritedness that characterized his emphasis on border security and the bullying side of his projection of strength. I write this at a time when the supporters and opponents are still speaking past one another. I hope that this essay might prompt respectful discussion between them.
This essay explores these six themes through three lenses:
A brief analysis of why the six themes gained traction among the electorate.
A process-oriented reimagining of the six themes.
A reflection on how a process understanding of God might connect with the reimagined themes.
Six Trumpian Themes
Economic Nationalism: Restoring American Greatness At the heart of Trump’s campaign was a robust reaffirmation of the "America First" doctrine. Economic nationalism, emphasizing job creation, domestic manufacturing, and resistance to global economic entanglements, struck a chord in communities hit hardest by deindustrialization.
Trump’s rhetoric promised not only economic growth but also the symbolic restoration of national pride and self-sufficiency. By targeting vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic—especially reliance on China—his campaign reinforced the urgency of economic independence. The promise to protect American industries like energy, steel, and agriculture presented a vision of economic security that resonated deeply with working-class voters.
Traditional Values: A Cultural Revival
Trump’s emphasis on traditional values served as a rallying cry for cultural conservatives. By championing patriotism, religion, and family values, his campaign positioned itself as a bulwark against perceived liberal overreach.
Opposition to "woke ideology" energized voters who saw progressive movements as existential threats to their way of life. Highlighting conservative judicial appointments and advocating for religious liberties, Trump presented himself as a protector of cultural heritage and moral foundations, galvanizing evangelical and Catholic voters alike.
Protecting Borders: Security and Sovereignty
Immigration control remained a central theme, with Trump advocating for stricter border security and enforcement. Framing immigration as a national security imperative, he linked it to issues like drug trafficking and gang violence, reinforcing his image as a decisive leader willing to act on voter concerns.
This narrative resonated with those who perceived immigration as a cultural and economic threat, further solidifying his appeal to rural and suburban voters seeking safety and stability.
Deregulation of Business: Unleashing Economic Growth
Trump’s commitment to deregulation appealed to small business owners and corporate leaders by framing government regulations as obstacles to economic opportunity. His advocacy for energy independence, particularly oil, gas, and coal, resonated with energy-producing states and rural communities.
This theme underscored Trump’s broader narrative of economic freedom and growth, contrasting sharply with climate-focused regulations that he portrayed as harmful to American jobs.
Isolationism: Prioritizing America’s Interests
Trump’s foreign policy emphasized isolationism, rejecting globalist interventions in favor of national self-interest. His promise to "end endless wars" resonated with voters weary of prolonged military engagements, while his critiques of foreign aid and alliances reinforced his commitment to an "America First" worldview.
This approach appealed to voters skeptical of international institutions, portraying Trump as a leader willing to challenge global norms to protect American sovereignty.
Projection of Strength: Leadership in Uncertain Times
Trump’s campaign cultivated an image of decisive and assertive leadership. By championing "law and order," supporting police and military, and taking a tough stance on crime, he positioned himself as a protector of public safety and traditional values.
On the global stage, Trump balanced isolationism with a strongman persona, emphasizing his ability to confront rivals like China and Russia. This projection of strength reassured voters seeking stability amid uncertainty, bolstering his appeal as a leader capable of navigating crises.
Resonance and Implications
The success of these themes lay in their ability to address widespread discontent and fear while offering a clear vision of renewal. Trump’s campaign effectively framed his opponents as disconnected elites, contrasting their perceived aloofness with his populist appeal. By leveraging social media and conservative outlets, he amplified his narrative and galvanized support across key voter groups.
Trump’s coalition of rural, working-class, and suburban voters found empowerment and security in these themes. However, their long-term implications for American democracy, cultural cohesion, and global relations remain subjects of debate.
Donald Trump’s 2024 victory underscores the enduring power of themes rooted in economic, cultural, and national identity. For process theologians, the challenge is clear: to engage these themes with compassion and creativity, addressing the deeper anxieties and aspirations they reflect. This moment is an opportunity to reimagine leadership and community, weaving a vision of justice and interconnectedness that transcends division and nurtures hope. By listening deeply and responding thoughtfully, process theologians can contribute to a more inclusive and relational future.
Reimagining Trumpian Themes in a Process Spirit
Process theologians recognize that the themes driving Donald Trump’s 2024 victory reflect real concerns and aspirations among many Americans. Engaging constructively requires acknowledging this resonance while offering relationally grounded alternatives to address the challenges they raise.
A particularly helpful resource here is John Cobb and Herman Daly’s "For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy Toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future" (1989). The book is itself an extended advocacy of economic (not ethnic) nationalism, suggesting that the nation is the largest unit of community that people today inhabit. It offers offers a hopeful framework for rethinking economic systems, cultural values, immigration, business practices, global conflict, and leadership.
1. Economic Nationalism: A Relational Vision of Autonomy
Cobb and Daly’s model of economic nationalism emphasizes relative autonomy in producing essential goods, fostering sustainable communities resilient to global disruptions. Process theology builds on this by advocating for “economies of community” where the interconnectedness of life is reflected in practices that prioritize relational well-being over profit.
Community-Centered Production: Local economies should focus on producing essential goods like food, energy, and basic materials in ways that respect ecological limits. This fosters resilience, reduces dependency on fragile supply chains, and aligns economic activity with environmental stewardship.
Global Cooperation, Not Isolation: Economic nationalism need not reject ec economic globalization entirely but can reframe it as a network of interdependent communities working toward mutual sustainability. Trade in non-essential goods can enrich cultural exchange and innovation while maintaining local autonomy.
Worker Empowerment and Dignity: Policies rooted in process thought would prioritize labor rights, fair wages, and ethical work environments. Such policies restore the dignity of work and recognize individuals not merely as laborers but as co-creators in the economic and relational fabric of society.
2. Traditional Values: Reimagining Bonds and Rejecting Hyper-Individualism
Process theology values the deep relational bonds within families, neighborhoods, and local communities, recognizing them as vital to human flourishing. However, it rejects the fear-driven rigidity often associated with “traditional values” in favor of a more dynamic and inclusive reinterpretation.
Intergenerational Flourishing: Families and communities thrive when they embrace creativity and adaptability. Process theology supports preserving wisdom from the past while fostering openness to diverse family structures, new traditions, and emerging cultural norms.
Countering Isolation with Relational Living: The hyper-individualism of modern society has fractured many traditional bonds. By promoting relational ethics, process theology envisions communities marked by care, mutual support, and trust that transcend narrow self-interest.
Balancing Continuity and Change: While honoring tradition, process theology invites rethinking rigid hierarchies that perpetuate exclusion. It challenges communities to evolve traditions into practices that celebrate diversity, gender equality, and the flourishing of all.
3. Immigration: Addressing Root Causes While Embracing Hospitality
Migration reflects systemic failures—war, poverty, environmental degradation, and political instability. Process theology emphasizes addressing these root causes while nurturing a spirit of hospitality and care for those seeking refuge.
Global Responsibility for Root Causes: Wealthy nations have a moral obligation to support global efforts to stabilize fragile economies, combat corruption, and address climate change. Process theology calls for relational partnerships that empower local communities globally, reducing the need for forced migration.
The Right to Flourish Locally: Process theology imagines a world where people can thrive in their native lands, with access to economic security, political freedom, and ecological stability. This requires international cooperation and just economic systems that reduce exploitative practices.
Creating Hospitable Communities: Even while addressing root causes, migration will remain part of human history. Process theology advocates for welcoming immigrants as vital contributors to the cultural and relational richness of communities, challenging xenophobia and fostering intercultural dialogue.
4. Business and Deregulation: Supporting Local Economies and Ethical Innovation
Process theology affirms the value of businesses that contribute to the common good, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It supports freeing businesses from unnecessary red tape while holding them accountable to ethical and relational values.
Local Economic Ecosystems: Encouraging locally owned businesses and cooperatives can create vibrant economic ecosystems. These businesses are often more responsive to community needs and less likely to exploit workers or the environment.
Ethical Deregulation: Process theology supports a review of regulations to identify those that unnecessarily hinder small businesses, while maintaining or strengthening regulations that protect workers, consumers, and ecosystems.
Innovation in Service of Community: Business leaders can innovate in ways that prioritize community well-being and ecological stewardship. Examples include renewable energy projects, circular economies, and socially responsible investing.
5. Isolationism: Avoiding War and Building a Culture of Peace
Process theology emphasizes peace as a central value, urging nations to avoid war and resolve conflicts through nonviolent means. This commitment is rooted in the interconnectedness of all life, recognizing that violence ripples across communities and ecosystems.
From Isolation to Relational Diplomacy: Instead of isolationism, process theology promotes relational diplomacy—focusing on building partnerships that address systemic challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality without resorting to interventionist policies.
Investing in Peacebuilding: Nations can lead by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in conflict-prone areas, reducing the conditions that fuel violence. Such investments reflect a theology of care and co-creation.
Demilitarization and Ecological Defense: Military spending can be redirected toward protecting the environment and addressing existential threats like climate change, shifting the focus from destruction to preservation.
6. Leadership in Uncertain Times: Relational Strength and Collaborative Vision
Process theology celebrates leaders who embody relational power—listening, collaborating, and inspiring trust—rather than dominating or dividing. Leadership rooted in process thought navigates complexity with compassion and imagination.
Strength in Relationality: True strength lies in the ability to unite diverse voices and guide communities through uncertainty. Leaders grounded in relational ethics prioritize the well-being of the whole over personal or partisan ambition.
Adaptive Leadership: In a world marked by rapid change, process thought encourages leaders to embrace adaptability and creativity. This includes listening deeply to those they serve and responding dynamically to new challenges.
Leadership as Collaboration: Leadership is not the work of one person but of many working together. Process theology invites a vision of leadership as a collective effort, where power is shared and decisions are made with the good of all in mind.
Toward Relational Flourishing
Trump’s 2024 victory underscores enduring anxieties and aspirations among many Americans. For process theologians, this moment is an opportunity to address these themes constructively, responding with compassion and creativity. By addressing economic security, cultural values, immigration, business, global conflict, and leadership through the lens of interconnectedness, process theology envisions a society that transcends division. This vision does not dismiss the legitimate concerns underlying Trump’s themes but reimagines them in ways that are just, inclusive, and grounded in care and relationality.
The Religious Side of Things
A constructive process response to Trumpian themes, as offered above, leaves out a topic that is especially important to process theologians: religion and spirituality. Process theologians are known for their view - our view - that ideas about God shape the way individuals and communities treat one another and the more than human world.
Process theologians propose that God is not a distant, authoritarian ruler but a relational and loving presence—one who invites humanity into a partnership of co-creation, fostering justice, compassion, and ecological care. This view contrasts sharply with the more domineering, exclusionary, and punitive images of God that seem, at least to critics, to undergird Trumpian themes. For process theologians, God is not all-powerful in a coercive sense but is all-loving, working through persuasion rather than force. This perspective encourages humility, mutual respect, and an openness to difference rather than tribalism or supremacy. Such a theology invites people to think of God not as a protector of nationalism or power structures but as a lure toward beauty, creativity, and community.
We also believe that spirituality is not limited to the religious sphere but permeates everyday life. Spirituality, in this sense, is about responding to the divine lure with acts of kindness, creativity, and care for the Earth. It resists the transactional and consumeristic tendencies prevalent in Trumpian themes, offering instead a vision of life rooted in relationality, empathy, and the flourishing of all beings.
A constructive process response to Trumpian themes will therefore reimagine religion as a force for connection rather than division, for healing rather than harm. It will emphasize a spirituality that finds God not in the halls of power but in acts of solidarity with the marginalized, in care for the planet, and in the quiet, everyday gestures of love and hope. This is the religious side that process theology brings—a vision of God and spirituality that affirms the interconnectedness of all life and the sacredness of diversity, compassion, and justice.
*
However, as the comments above suggest, process theologians can rightly be open to the possibility that some Trumpian themes, reimagined in process ways, can be conjoined with a more relational understanding of God. This openness reflects the flexibility and inclusiveness characteristic of process thought, as exemplified by John Cobb and Herman Daly in For the Common Good, where they speak of God as "Life" with an upper-case "L." This metaphor for God emphasizes vitality, creativity, and interconnectedness rather than domination or hierarchy. It offers a vision of divinity that inspires collective flourishing and ecological harmony.
Process theologians also recognize that views of God are not absolute. Different communities and individuals may conceptualize God in diverse ways while still working toward shared goals, such as fostering hope for a just and sustainable future. For instance, themes of loyalty, resilience, and love of community—often associated with Trumpian rhetoric—can be reframed in process terms to align with relational values. Loyalty, rather than being exclusive or nationalistic, can become a commitment to relationships that transcend boundaries. Resilience can be about creative adaptability in the face of challenges, and love of community can extend to the whole Earth community.
Such reframing aligns with the process view that the sacred is found not in rigid dogmas or coercive power but in relationality, creativity, and the ongoing evolution of the world toward greater beauty and harmony. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the relational nature of reality, process theologians can critique the more exclusionary and authoritarian dimensions of Trumpian themes while recognizing that their reimagined counterparts may hold promise for healing divisions and fostering collaboration.
In this way, process theologians encourage a dialogue that is not about defeating or dismissing different views of God but about transforming them into relational, life-affirming visions that inspire collective action. This transformation is grounded in the process commitment to shared hope—a hope for a just, sustainable, and compassionate future. This hope does not require uniformity in how people understand God but rather invites diverse voices to contribute to the flourishing of the world. By holding this perspective, process theology challenges the polarizing tendencies of Trumpian themes and of anti-Trumpian themes, while remaining open to their potential for good when reinterpreted through the lens of relationality, creativity, and the shared quest for a better world. In doing so, it fosters a pluralistic and dynamic vision of spirituality that celebrates both diversity and unity in the pursuit of justice and sustainability.
