Ex-megachurch pastor calls Trump 'the very worst of humanity', says MAGA followers can't be 'good people'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former megachurch pastor John Pavlovitz took aim at President Donald Trump in a fiery Substack post. On August 2, Pavlovitz declared that it’s impossible to be a good person and support Trump, reigniting debate among progressive Christian circles.

Since Trump’s 2016 election win, Pavlovitz has consistently criticized the president. His bold, widely shared essays have earned him the nickname “digital pastor of the resistance,” as he continues to challenge the religious right from the front lines of progressive activism.

John Pavlovitz condemns both 'grotesque' Donald Trump and his supporters

In a searing Substack post titled “No, Good People Don’t Still Support Him,” former pastor John Pavlovitz delivered a blistering condemnation of both Donald Trump and those who continue to back him.

Pavlovitz opened the piece with a reflection on self-awareness, morality, and the illusion of goodness. He then challenged a familiar claim: “I often hear people say, 'He or she supports him but is a really good person.'"

In response, he wrote, "I consider that an oxymoron. I believe aligning with him is fundamentally antithetical to anything good. Generally speaking, there are things that good people don't do." 

He continued by listing traits he believes disqualify someone from being considered good, “Good people don't lie as easily as breathing, or make a mockery of a religion they have no interest in, or treat people of color and women as property, or disregard the systems and laws of this land because powerful and complicit enablers allow it. Good people don't prey upon the vulnerable, they don't leverage their influence to bully dissenters.”

Pavlovitz then turned his attention squarely on Trump, writing, "But this President is not a good human being, and there's simply no way around this truth. Objectively speaking, he is the very worst humanity has produced, a moral bottom-feeder without scruples or conscience or decency."

He added that only those deeply entrenched in what he called a “sycophantic death cult” could defend the president, stating, “What is painfully obvious in these moments isn't simply that the person alleging to lead this country is a terrible human being; it is that anyone left still defending him, applauding him, justifying him, celebrating him, probably is too."

In a striking conclusion, Pavlovitz claimed that continued support for Trump reveals one’s own moral character. 

“At this point, the only reason left to support a man like this is that he reflects your hateful heart, that he shares your contempt of people of color, your hostility toward outsiders, your toxic misogyny, your ignorant bigotry, and your feelings of supremacy. He is a snarling, vicious, grotesque avatar who says the things you believe and hurts the people you want to hurt,” he wrote.

Pavlovitz’s post echoes a growing sentiment within some progressive Christian circles, where he has called for people to distance themselves, even from close friends and family, who continue to support Trump, labeling such loyalty as “morally repugnant.”

John Pavlovitz’s fiery post on Donald Trump divides Internet

John Pavlovitz’s fiery blog post quickly sparked widespread attention online, drawing a flood of reactions in the comments section of his Substack post and across social media. Many applauded his bold critique, while others pushed back with sharp criticism.

One wrote, “I agree with you 100%. Those who still support the abomination infesting the White House are beneath contempt,” while another said, “I agree. As far as I'm concerned, there are no 'good' people who voted for Trump (especially this last time), or who still support him.”

A commenter thanked Pavlovitz for his stance, writing, “Thank you for your words. As I see it, those who continue to support him are accomplices in the horrors he and his administration are unleashing upon humanity."

But the post also drew strong opposition. A Trump supporter on X (formerly Twitter) simply wrote, “Trump is the GOAT.” Another mocked Pavlovitz, saying, “Oh poor John had his feelings hurt."

Slamming the tone of the post, an individual said, “Spoken like a true cult member. Hate is poison.” Another challenged Pavlovitz directly, writing, “The clown talking about people who have a hateful heart, I’ve never read anything nice that you have said. Seems like you have the hateful heart."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.