President Trump celebrated the IRS’s landmark decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates, declaring he loves that faith leaders can finally speak freely without fear of punishment.
“I love the fact that churches can endorse a political candidate,” Trump told reporters, praising pastors, ministers, rabbis, and leaders of all faiths for having the right to guide their congregations on the nation’s direction. “People respect those leaders, and there’s nothing wrong with them speaking up.”
Trump pointed to the Johnson Amendment, which for decades threatened churches with penalties if they engaged in political speech, calling it a “very big penalty” that silenced faith communities for too long.
The IRS made its stance clear in court filings this week, arguing churches should be allowed to endorse candidates. The filings came during a case brought by two Texas churches and a Christian broadcasters association, who sued the IRS seeking freedom for all nonprofits, religious and secular, to endorse candidates without risking their tax-exempt status.
The IRS’s decision effectively ends a policy dating back to 1954, when then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson’s amendment prohibited 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, from engaging in political campaigns.
Critics say the amendment has long been used to muzzle religious leaders while political activists in Hollywood, universities, and other institutions have faced no such restrictions. Trump’s support for repealing the gag on churches aligns with his ongoing push to empower faith communities and protect religious liberty.
Faith-based voters were among Trump’s most loyal supporters during his first term and his 2024 comeback campaign. The IRS’s new position could strengthen their influence heading into the 2026 midterms and beyond, allowing churches to engage their congregations openly on candidates and critical moral issues.
As the IRS steps back from punishing churches for exercising free speech, Trump’s praise signals that faith leaders will have a louder voice in shaping the future of the nation — just in time for another high-stakes election season.