Trump, the New Apostolic Reformation & the Battle for the Midterms

Summary

In this episode of Reign of Error, host Sarah Posner speaks with Matthew D. Taylor, visiting scholar at Georgetown University and author of The Violent Take It by Force, about the growing influence of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and charismatic Christian nationalism within Trump’s political machine. The conversation traces how figures like Paula White, Lance Wallnau, and Ché Ahn are mobilizing spiritual warfare theology, modern-day prophecy, and dominionist ideas to energize evangelical voters ahead of the midterms. Taylor explains how the National Faith Advisory Board functions as a bridge between Trump and charismatic Christian leaders, advancing a vision in which apostles and prophets “disciple nations” by taking positions of political power. From election denialism to aggressive Christian Zionism and support for confrontation with Iran, this movement frames American politics as a literal battle against demonic forces.

The episode also examines how this rhetoric translates into concrete political strategy — from mobilizing swing-state revival tours to backing legislation like the SAVE Act and portraying immigration enforcement as a form of spiritual exorcism. Posner and Taylor unpack the theological logic that casts political opponents, immigrants, and protestors as agents of demonic power, a framework that undermines democratic pluralism and normalizes authoritarian tactics in the name of divine mandate. The show concludes with Posner’s “Anti-Doom” segment, highlighting acts of resistance — including whistleblower testimony exposing unconstitutional ICE training practices — as reminders that accountability and courage persist even amid escalating Christian nationalist activism.

Additional Resources:

• Matthew D. Taylor, The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy (Minneapolis: Broadleaf Books 2024)

• Ariel Edwards-Levy and Jennifer Agiesta, “Trump’s approval rating with independents hits a new low ahead of the State of the Union,” CNN, February 23, 2026

• Nick Turse, “Kristi Noem Repeatedly Claimed ICE Deported a Cannibal. It Was ‘Completely Made Up’,” The Intercept, February 23, 2026

• Dan Balz and Scott Clement, “60% disapprove of Trump ahead of State of the Union, Post-ABC-Ipsos poll finds,” Washington Post, February 22, 2026

• Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll Feb. 12-17, 2026 (crosstabs)

• Melanie Lidman and Samy Magdy, “US says ambassador’s comments on Israel and the Middle East were taken out of context,” Associated Press, February 22, 2026

• Sam Mednick and Samy Magdy, “US ambassador causes uproar by claiming Israel has a right to much of the Middle East,” Associated Press, February 21, 2026

• Benjamin Swasey, “A Republican plan to overhaul voting is back. Here's what's new in the bill,” NPR, February 19, 2026

• Michael Waldman, “The SAVE Act and the Election Power Grab,” Brennan Center, February 10, 2026

• Kyle Mantyla, “'Pray For The Midterms': MAGA Cultist Lance Wallnau Warns The Election Could Be A 'Bloodbath',” Right Wing Watch, February 5, 2026

• David Nakamura and Sarah Blaskey, “Ex-ICE instructor testifies that agency slashed officer training, lied to Congress,” Washington Post, February 23, 2026