"But, Biden!"
The Whataboutism That Is Killing Christianity
One of the most common replies given by Christians when Trump is painted in a negative light is, “But, Biden!”
The Christian rebuke of any hint of criticism toward Trump is always swift and strong. Rather than directly confront the difficulties inherent in their ongoing support of Trump, Christians, by and large, pivot to whataboutism, ignoring the issues altogether.
Whatboutism is the act of countering an accusation of wrongdoing by asserting that a similar or greater offense occurred elsewhere, often diverting attention to an entirely different issue.
For example…
CRITICISM: “Trump is bringing very real harm by dishonest portrayals of legal immigrants as criminals.”
CHRISTIANS: “But Biden advocated for post-birth abortions!”
This is whataboutism, and for me, this recently came into focus for me after making this Facebook post about an Education Park Ranger with the National Park Service who was fired from his dream job on Valentine’s Day, one among thousands who are suffering under DOGE cuts:
A staff person from my first pastorate jumped in with this response:
Sadly, there is little, if anything, factual in the reaction.
Trump initiated the withdrawal from Afghanistan, creating the plan left at Biden’s feet.
Trump is currently in the process of giving part/all of Ukraine to Putin. Biden, on the other hand. stood up to Trump and the Republican Party by refusing to pull out and end funding the resistance efforts.
US citizens comprised 80 percent of individuals caught with fentanyl during border crossings at ports of entry from 2019 to 2024, not so-called “illegals” or open borders.
Whataboutism notwithstanding, I think it is possible to have a conversation about whether or not a Christian should have voted for Biden, but now is not the time for that conversation.
It is too late.
To that end, I would also suggest that it is too late to have any meaningful conversation about whether or not someone should have voted for Trump this go around.
It is too late; water under the bridge.
What is done is done.
The use of “But, Biden!” whataboutism to pivot to Democrats (or the past) does not change the wholly anti-Christ situation in which Trump supporters now find themselves. There is no longer any way to support Trump and not be supporters of racism, oppression, white supremacy, disinformation, bigotry, and fascism. These ingredients are baked into every Executive Order and action that Trump takes.
It is not as though we can say, "Well, I have these 2 or 3 issues that I find problematic, but 75% of what he does comports to a Christ-centered or Christ-informed approach to the world or love of neighbor."
No. Everything Trump has done is spitting in the face of the red letters of Jesus and his direct commands to those who would follow his Way.
So instead, let’s discuss allegations of “name-calling or slander.”
Christians, I understand that it is challenging to face the racism, bigotry, and fascism that Trump embodies and promotes, especially after having voted him into power. Further, I understand that it is even more challenging to face your own complicit role in the oppression and harm of others by way of Trump.
It is uncomfortable to be forced to face the racism, bigotry, and fascism that is baked into the MAGA movement... but pointing that out isn’t "name-calling." It is speaking plainly and clearly to those (Christians) who should know better.
When we align with, support, defend, and/or justify the actions of racists, supremacists, bigots, and fascists, then we become racists, supremacists, bigots, and fascists.
It is important that we call things what they are, directly and clearly, no matter how uncomfortable to say or hear.
It is also important that those Christians who, at this moment, are still supporting Trump, face their own “bloody hands” without resorting to whataboutism.
Trump’s fascist and grossly anti-Christ behavior and policy cause very real harm to democracy, but more importantly, it poses a real and present danger to those whom Jesus specifically commanded his followers to protect.
No more “But, Biden!” Christians.
This is no longer about those who voted for Trump or did not.
What’s done is done.
We are where we are.
We can't change the past;
we can only change our actions in the present.
As for me, I will definitely continue calling out Christians who support the kinds of atrocities perpetrated by this current regime, no matter the political affiliation.
This isn’t about politics; this is about The Way of Jesus.
Trump is to cultural/political Christians what the golden calf was to the people of Israel in Exodus. Trump Christians are a stiff-necked people who sneer at the Sermon on the Mount and would sooner step on than lift up “the least of these.”
I’ve found it very difficult to get people off “But Biden.” I try to side step the assertion and point back to the present issue.
Typically, they double and then triple down on the assertion with even more assertions to muddy the discussion — anything to avoid the real issue.
I try to avoid call people cult members because that isn’t going to advance the conversation, but this is a cult.
I’m new to Substack. I joined so I’d have an outlet to be another voice in the chorus. Just one more voice to cry out for God’s justice and mercy. I’m a Voice in the Choir.
I pray that on each item I post, I might trigger a little reflection from a Trump follower, or even flip a MAGA, or show an unbeliever that there is a loving Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life, and thereby open a heart to God’s grace.