Concerning Blasphemy and the Crime of Heretical Self-Exaltation by Trump and Vance
By Frank Schaeffer
Trump’s AI-generated image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure sparked outrage among his Catholic and evangelical Christian supporters. And the new memoir by JD Vance detailing his conversion to the Roman Catholic Church has also sparked outrage across multiple fronts, because of Vance’s intersection of faith and the most corrupt presidential power ever in Trump and his family. The book is Vance’s attempt to become president someday soon by cloaking his limitless political ambition in spiritual authority.
Vance’s core policy positions are in direct conflict with core Catholic teachings on issues of truth-telling, poverty, immigration, and human dignity. Church leaders are already challenging the authenticity of his conversion, turning what might otherwise be a personal narrative into a broader cultural and political flashpoint. Worst of all is Vance’s defense of the indefensible wickedness of Trump.
Religious leaders and conservative writers expressed sadness and strong criticism over the image and Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV.
For instance Rod Dreher, a conservative writer who attended the Catholic baptism of Vice President JD Vance before he entered politics, went further. “Not saying Trump is the Antichrist,” Dreher told The Wall Street Journal. “But he’s radiating the spirit of Antichrist, no question.” Pastor Douglas Wilson, co-founder of the conservative Calvinist denomination to which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth belongs, called the image “blasphemous.”
In another time when religion was taken more seriously the Spanish Inquisition might have conducted a trial of Donald Trump and JD Vance designed to root out heresy. Those accused, in this case would have been arrested, their property seized to fund their detention, and subjected to closed investigations in which they faced repeated interrogations culminating in a public sentencing ceremony known as the Auto-da-fé, where punishments ranging from fines and penitential garments to imprisonment or execution by secular authorities were pronounced, a process most characteristic of the Inquisition’s from the late 15th century through the early 17th century.
Here then, retold in the language of the Seventeenth Century, is the trial of Donald Trump and the Inquisition’s warning too Trump’s obsequies servant JD Vance as I imagine the Proceedings before the Holy Office
Concerning Blasphemy and the Crime of Heretical Self-Exaltation by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
Let it be known that the accused, Donald J. Trump and his servant JD Vance by word and intent, have raised their voices against the Holy Father, successor to Saint Peter and guardian of the keys of Heaven. Such speech sows scandal among the faithful, undermines the unity of Christendom, and bears the marks of prideful rebellion.
Article I: On the Dissemination of a Profane Image
It has been reported and attested by multiple witnesses that one of the accused, is a ruler of temporal authority, and he did cause to be published an image wrought not by the hand of man but by artifices of unnatural demoniac generation. In this image, the accused is depicted in likeness to Our Lord Jesus Christ, adorned in robes of sanctity and performing an act resembling miraculous healing upon the infirm.
Such imagery, accompanied by celestial light, figures in prayer, and symbols of worldly dominion—namely eagles and evil engines of war—did give rise to grave scandal among the faithful, who perceived in it an unlawful conflation of divine authority with earthly power.
Article II: On the Scandal and Disturbance of the Faithful
Witnesses, including leaders among the devout, testify to feelings of sorrow, confusion, and spiritual distress. One such witness declared:
“We are beside ourselves,” expressing anguish that one entrusted with authority would treat sacred mysteries with irreverence.
Another testified that the faithful, having rendered support to the accused, found themselves “confused” and “saddened” by what appeared to be mockery or misuse of holy imagery.
Article III: On Accusations of Blasphemy and Antichristian Spirit
Certain learned commentators have asserted that while they refrain from naming the accused outright as The Antichrist, they nevertheless discern in his actions “the spirit of Antichrist,” by which is meant the presumption to elevate oneself in likeness to Christ and thereby obscure the distinction between Creator and creature.
A minister of religion further declared the image to be “blasphemous,” asserting that it profanes sacred representation and invites idolatrous confusion.
Article IV: On the Usurpation of Sacred Authority
Moreover, ritual gestures resembling the laying on of hands have been performed upon the accused in public view by many criminals pretending to be followers of Christ, as though conferring a quasi-sacramental character upon his secular ruler’s misused office.
Grievous Articles of Denunciation against a Conventicle Suspected of Heresy, Presumption, and Diabolical Delusion
In the Most Holy Name, be it set forth that upon the fifth day of March, in the Year of Our Lord two thousand twenty and six, there was assembled within the chamber of temporal dominion a disorderly conventicle of self-appointed ministers, convened by a servant of Satan, Paula White-Cain, who arrogateth unto herself a spiritual authority not derived from the lawful succession of the Church.
These did gather about the person of Donald Trump, presuming to invoke the Divine Majesty in matters of war and empire, not with humility and obedience, but with boldness untempered by doctrine, discipline, or fear of error.
Of the Persons and Their False Authority
There were present among them Robert Jeffress, Ralph Reed, Gary Bauer, Jentezen Franklin, Greg Laurie, Johnnie Moore, and Tom Mullins, who did utter prayers as though vested with sacred office though possessing none.
Also numbered were Samuel Rodriguez, David Barton, Travis Johnson, and William Wolfe, all partakers in this unlawful unholy rite of worship of a human vessel of evil false doctrine and lies.
Of the Heresies and Pernicious Errors Manifest
Firstly, that the said named persons do presume an immediate commerce with God, apart from the mediation and authority of Holy Church, which error hath long been condemned as the root of heresy and schism.
Secondly, that by the laying on of hands upon the magistrate they did counterfeit the sacred rites, transferring unto a temporal ruler the semblance of divine anointing, thereby usurping what belongeth only to consecrated ministers and sowing confusion between the kingdoms of God and of this world.
Thirdly, that their invocations did mingle the Holy Name with designs of blood and conflict, as though the Eternal Will might be bent to the purposes of men, and unholy profit from their office with unlimited greed for money and power which is a blasphemous presumption and a grievous offense against the Holly Spirit.
Fourthly, that the fervors and outward gestures observed among them do give cause to suspect not the operation of the Holy Spirit, but rather a spirit of delusion, enthusiasm, greed, or worse, whereby the Enemy transformeth himself into an angel of light to deceive even the elect.
Fifthly, that in exalting the said magistrate within their circle and supplications, they incline toward a species of idolatrous flattery, bordering upon the impious elevation of man above his station, a thing perilously near to the spirit of Antichrist.
Wherefore We Judge and Admonish
That this assembly standeth under vehement suspicion of heresy, false prophecy, and diabolical illusion; and that its members, unless speedily corrected, may lead many souls into error and perdition.
Let them therefore be cited, examined, and compelled to abjure these excesses; and if they persist in obstinacy, let them be subject to the severest censures, lest the contagion of their deception spread further among the faithful.
For it is better that error be cut away with severity than that the whole body be corrupted.
So declared under vigilant authority, in defense of the Faith and the correction of souls.
Article V: On Contempt toward Ecclesiastical Authority by Donald Trump and his servant JD Vance:
Further testimony establishes that both of the accused did publicly rebuke and disparage the Supreme Pontiff, questioning his authority and judgment in matters of war and peace. This was done in terms lacking due reverence, thereby risking scandal and division among the faithful.
Witnesses note that such conduct departs from the customary respect shown by rulers to the See of Peter, even in times of disagreement.
Article VI: On Pride and the Example of Nebuchadnezzar
A comparison was offered by one observer to the fate of King Nebuchadnezzar, who, in his pride, was cast down and made like a beast of the field. This analogy was invoked to warn that excessive self-exaltation invites divine correction.
Article VII: On Political and Spiritual Consequences
It is further entered into the record that these actions have sown division among the faithful and may lead to the weakening of alliances between the accused and those who profess the Christian faith. Some witnesses assert that loyalty remains strong, while others foresee lasting harm to the unity of believers.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Given the gravity of the charges—namely, the commission of blasphemy, the fostering of idolatrous imagery, the confusion of divine and temporal authority, and the public disparagement of ecclesiastical leadership—the Tribunal recommends:
That the accused be called to account for these actions.
That he clarify, under oath, his intent in disseminating such imagery.
That he publicly affirm the distinction between his earthly office and the divine nature of Christ.
That he repent of any pride or irreverence shown toward Holy Mother Church.
Thus entered into the record, that truth may be discerned and the purity of the faith preserved.
Final Admonition, Censure, and Conditional Sentence
Be it further denounced and set down in this present indictment, that the said magistrate, Donald Trump, is reported not merely to have conceived a vain idolatrous memorial, but to have inclinated toward the setting up of a great image of gold in his own likeness, to be placed within the house of his own remembrance; which design, if it proceed, doth savor most strongly of pride inflamed beyond measure and ambition swollen unto impiety.
For such a golden effigy, being costly in substance and exalted in form, doth not resemble a lawful monument of civic memory, but rather an idol set forth for the magnifying of a mortal man, such as the heathen princes of old did cause to be adored in their own vanity. And though the defenders of such a work may clothe it in the language of honor, yet in truth it beareth the stench of self-deification, wherein a man doth seek to fix his own image in gold, that posterity may behold him not as he was, but as one fit for reverence.
Wherefore this matter is judged not as mere excess of vanity, but as a most perilous sign of tyrannical spirit, tending toward the corruption of right order, the confusion of remembrance with idolatry, and the raising up of a mortal creature into a false object of veneration. And if such a thing be suffered, it shall stand as witness against him, as did the idols of Babylon against their makers, condemning pride by its own silent testimony.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing articles and testimonies, this Holy Tribunal, acting under the authority of Holy Mother Church, does issue this solemn admonition to the accused:
That he present himself in humility before the judgment of the Church; that he renounce all images, words, and acts which give scandal to the faithful or falsely appropriate the likeness, authority, or attributes of Our Lord Jesus Christ; and that he make public profession of repentance, affirming the right order between the temporal power and the divine majesty.
And it is likewise alleged, with no small severity, that JD Vance, being in office and counsel near unto the said magistrate, hath not withstood nor reproved this conceit, but rather doth serve, uphold, and lend his authority unto the same. Wherefore he is held not as a mere bystander, but as one claiming to be a member of Mother church, and indeed boasting of the same in a book he hath written complicit in the fostering of such vain-glorious designs, and therefore partaker in the scandal thereof.
For it is judged among the gravest faults that a counsellor of state should not restrain pride when it swelleth toward excess, but rather cleave unto it and give it countenance for his own ambition and profit, thereby strengthening the illusion of rightful veneration where none is due. Wherefore both parties are held under grave censure: the one for conceiving a monument tending toward idolatrous exaltation, and the other for abetting and sustaining the same by office, counsel, and silence.
Should these the two the accused refuse this admonition, delay repentance, or persist in error, the Tribunal warns of the following penalties, to be imposed according to canon and custom:
That they shall be declared suspect or guilty of heresy, and thereby incur the gravest censures of the Church.
That they shall be cut off from the communion of the faithful, and formally struck with the sentence of excommunication (anathema sit), until such time as he repents and is reconciled.
That all who knowingly defend, assist, or collaborate with Trump and Vance in these errors, after due warning, shall likewise incur censure and risk excommunication, as participants in scandal and error.
That they may be delivered to the custody of the authorities for confinement, there to reflect upon their errors, in accordance with the practices observed for those under suspicion of heresy.
And furthermore, let it be known that persistence in such pride and blasphemy, if unrepented at the hour of death, places the souls of these offenders in grave peril of eternal damnation, being separated from the grace of God and the communion of the saints.
Thus the Tribunal, in charity yet in firmness, extends this final warning:
Repent, recant, and be restored—or remain obstinate, and suffer both temporal judgment and the eternal consequences thereof.
On the Spiritual Peril of Those Who Aid in Error
Moreover, this Holy Tribunal declares, in accordance with Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church, that those who amongst the false church of Trump sometimes called the sons of MAGA, knowingly cleave to, defend, or advance the errors of these the accused, after due admonition, do imperil not only their standing within the Church but the salvation of their souls.
For it is written that those who call evil good, and who set themselves against the truth, invite the just judgment of Almighty God. And therefore do the watchmen cry aloud, beseeching all who hear to turn aside from the swelling of pride before it bringeth forth its bitter harvest. For when men cleave unto false images of earthly power, and defend with zeal that which their conscience doth whisper is unjust, then is mercy withdrawn not by sudden wrath alone, but by the very weight of their own chosen path.
Let them be warned that in this present life the Lord suffereth not such iniquity to remain without chastening. For discord shall enter their councils, trust shall wither among allies, and that which was lifted high by applause shall be brought low by the turning of time.
Let the proud be made to drink of confusion, and the obstinate be given over to the consequences of their own hard counsel, until they learn—if yet they may learn—that no dominion of man endureth when it is set against righteousness.
Wherefore let all who would be wise take heed, and repent betimes, lest they find that the ruin they feared from others is wrought first within their own house.
On the Particular Danger of Those Who Justify Error in Writing
Moreover, this Holy Tribunal declares that any author, advocate, or public man who, by book, memoir, or printed testimony—such as those recounting a supposed return to the Faith after seasons of doubt or unbelief specifically said Vice President of the nation in his blasphemous book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, retelling his supposed journey from losing his childhood faith to converting to the true faith of Roman Catholicism, and the influence of St. Augustine. It is alleged that this book tends not to speak truth but rather to mislead such as are in quest of faith and spiritual consolation, drawing their minds under color of devotion toward matters of civil election and worldly preferment. And further it is spoken abroad that the said Vance hath not concealed a hope that the relation of his life and conversion may serve as a guide unto others in the choosing of persons for high office, whereby the boundary betwixt matters of conscience and matters of governance is made uncertain, to the disturbance of due order and right discernment.
Thus Vance seeks to defend, excuse, and adorn the errors of the accused, thereby multiplying scandal and sowing confusion among the faithful. For when one publicly narrates a journey from unbelief into the bosom of Holy Church, yet he employs his demonic and false testimony to sanctify and advance profane distortions of divine truth for power and profit. Vance commits a graver offense still, joining sacred language to dangerous error.
It is further bruited abroad and given forth by sundry observers that the said Vance standeth in close familiarity and continual counsel with the affairs and designs of Peter Thiel, a man of great substance and notable evil influence in the ordering of worldly riches and lawless public undertakings. And it is whispered that such conjunction of interests doth incline toward a common advancement of temporal power and authority, though under diverse hidden guises and instruments--whereby private fortune and public office may be seen to walk in nearer fellowship than is meet, to the troubling of right order and the obscuring of due distinction betwixt the common weal and private design.
Thus is the matter held in doubtful estimation, and marked by those zealous for the purity of public governance as a thing requiring vigilant regard and sober examination.
Therefore, if JD Vance persists, after this due warning, in publishing or promoting his works, let him be admonished that he endangers his soul and risks the severest censures of the Church; for the corruption of doctrine thus set forth endures beyond the moment, and unless repented, may draw down the just judgment of Almighty God upon both the writer and those misled by his words.
Moreover, it is a doctrine most grave among the moral and divinity writers, that whensoever princes do take up arms not upon just cause duly examined, nor with regard unto equity, necessity, and lawful counsel, but rather through passion, ambition, or inordinate desire of glory, or to hide the evil of their sins against others, even including rapes and molestations of children, then do they lay upon themselves a heavy account before both God and man.
Moreover, it is accounted among the most perilous corruptions of doctrine, when any governor or captain of war doth presume to sanctify the shedding of blood by invoking the most holy Name of Our Lord, as though earthly conflict were thereby made righteous. For such speech doth confound the kingdom of Christ, who taught peace and mercy, with the works of temporal violence, and so inclineth the minds of soldiers to believe that cruelty may be made virtue by utterance of sacred words. This is held to be a grievous error, tending to the profanation of holy things and the deceiving of simple consciences, whereby men are led to think that the sword is made holy by the tongue of man.
Let therefore a formal inquiry be instituted, that truth may be discerned from rhetoric, zeal from presumption, and lawful defense from unlawful provocation; and that no man, howsoever high in office, be permitted to abuse divine authority for the advancement of temporal designs. And if any be found such as of his swearing-in on January 25, 2025, Pete Hegseth, the 29th United States Secretary of Defense who has taken the title of Secretary of War, leading the renamed Department of War to have so transgressed, let him be subjected to judgment according to the laws of the realm and the dictates of justice, that order may be restored and scandal removed from among the people. For it is further noted as a matter of grave scandal and doctrinal confusion, when any commander or public officer of war shall presume to sanctify the taking of life by invoking the most holy and dread Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For such speech doth pervert the true sense of the Gospel, wherein Christ our Saviour taught mercy, patience, and the love of enemies, and not the consecration of the sword unto slaughter.
In the Name of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
We, the duly appointed judges of the Spanish Inquisition, guardians of the purity of the Faith and defenders of Holy Mother Church, do hereby bring formal articles and indictment against the accused JD VANCE and Donald J. Trump:
Article the First
That: these said accused, moved by pride and a perverse will, hath publicly uttered words of contempt, insult, and defiance against the Supreme Pontiff, lawful Vicar of Christ and successor to Saint Peter, thereby scandalizing the faithful and diminishing reverence for the Apostolic See.
Article the Second
That in so doing, these the accused hath presumed to elevate their own judgment above that authority ordained by God, setting himself in opposition to the visible head of the Church, and thereby inclining toward doctrines condemned as heretical and schismatic.
Article the Third
That the said words and deeds of Donald Trump and JD Vance, do manifest not mere error, but hardened and obstinate spirits, savoring of that ancient rebellion whereby the Adversary exalteth himself against all that is called holy; and thus the accused are vehemently suspected of participation in the very spirit and mystery of Antichrist.
Wherefore, having diligently considered these matters, we do pronounce and declare the accused to stand under grave suspicion of heresy, contumacy, and scandal of the highest order.
And we decree:
That these the accused be apprehended and brought before this Holy Tribunal;
That they be examined under oath as to his words, intentions, and beliefs;
That they be required to abjure publicly these errors and submit wholly to the authority of Holy Church;
And further, if they shall refuse correction, persist in obstinacy, or relapse into said impieties, then they shall incur the greater excommunication, and be delivered to the severest penalties permitted under sacred and civil law, lest his corruption spread and imperil the souls of all the faithful.
So ordered under seal and authority of this Holy Office, that truth be vindicated, error extinguished, and the unity of Christendom preserved.
Deo gratias.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam.
