The Trump administration’s candid rhetoric on power, morality, and international law has sparked intense debate about the role of ethics in global governance. Recent comments by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller have underscored a worldview that prioritizes raw strength and unilateral decision-making over traditional norms of international cooperation and law.
While this approach may resonate with those who view the world as fundamentally anarchic and governed by power, it raises profound questions for people of faith. How should Christians respond to an administration that openly embraces a “might makes right” philosophy? What does the Bible teach about the use of power, and how can believers advocate for a more ethical approach to global leadership?
The Trump Administration’s Perspective on Power
In a recent interview with The New York Times, President Trump made it clear that he sees his own morality as the ultimate check on his actions in the international arena. “There is but one thing that can check my actions abroad: my own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me, and that’s very good,” he said, downplaying the importance of international law and cooperation
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Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment in a speech last September, describing military strikes against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean as “the highest and best use of our military.” When questioned about the legality of such actions, Vance dismissed the concern, saying he doesn’t “give a s— what you call [them]”
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Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller took this rhetoric a step further, declaring on CNN that “we live in a world … that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power.” According to Miller, these “iron laws of the world” have existed since the beginning of time and are the ultimate reality of international relations
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A Dangerous Half-Truth
There is a kernel of truth in Miller’s stark assessment of the international order. At a descriptive level, the world is indeed often governed by power dynamics, with stronger nations wielding disproportionate influence over weaker ones. However, this harsh reality does not justify abandoning ethical principles in the pursuit of national interests.
As columnist Bonnie Kristian argued in The Guardian, Miller’s framing of power as an “iron law” is a dangerous half-truth. While it is true that power plays a significant role in global affairs, this does not mean that ethics and morality are irrelevant. Rather, it highlights the need for leaders to exercise power responsibly and in accordance with moral principles
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From a biblical perspective, the “iron laws of the world” that Miller describes are not a reflection of God’s original design for creation but a consequence of humanity’s fall into sin. As Christians, we are called to resist the temptation to wield power for selfish or destructive purposes and instead use it to serve others and advance God’s kingdom.
The Biblical Perspective on Power and Morality
The Bible offers a radically different vision of power and leadership than the one articulated by the Trump administration. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus contrasts worldly notions of power with the servant leadership He calls His followers to embody:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This passage challenges the idea that strength and force are the ultimate measures of leadership. Instead, it calls leaders to prioritize humility, service, and the well-being of others. This is a far cry from the Trump administration’s rhetoric, which often seems to equate power with moral authority.
The Role of International Law
One of the most contentious aspects of the Trump administration’s approach to power is its apparent disdain for international law. President Trump’s assertion that the value of international law “depends on what your definition of international law is” reflects a broader trend of skepticism toward multilateral institutions and agreements.
Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has withdrawn from numerous international organizations and agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran nuclear deal, and the United Nations Human Rights Council. Critics argue that this unilateral approach undermines global stability and weakens America’s moral authority on the world stage
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For Christians, the dismissal of international law raises important ethical questions. The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice and order, and that human governments are accountable to Him for their actions. In Romans 13:1-4, the Apostle Paul writes:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
While this passage is often interpreted as a call to submit to earthly governments, it also implies that those in power have a responsibility to govern justly and in accordance with God’s principles. Ignoring international law and ethical norms in the name of power is inconsistent with this biblical mandate.
The Cost of Abandoning Ethics
The Trump administration’s rhetoric on power and morality also raises concerns about the long-term consequences of abandoning ethical considerations in international relations. History is replete with examples of leaders who prioritized power over principle, often with devastating results.
For Christians, the temptation to compromise on ethics in the pursuit of power is a reflection of our fallen nature. Yet, the Bible offers a different vision of what it means to be truly powerful. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
This verse reminds us that true power comes not from brute strength or coercion but from reliance on God’s grace and the transformative power of the gospel.
A Call to Action for Christians
As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in a world that often prioritizes power over principle. This means advocating for policies and leaders that reflect biblical values of justice, mercy, and humility. It also means holding our leaders accountable when their actions and rhetoric fall short of these standards.
In Micah 6:8, the prophet reminds us of what God requires of His people: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse provides a powerful framework for engaging with issues of power and morality in the public square.
Conclusion: Power with Purpose
The Trump administration’s candid embrace of power as the defining principle of international relations challenges Christians to consider how their faith informs their views on leadership and ethics. While the world may often operate according to the “iron laws” of strength and force, the Bible calls us to a higher standard.
As we navigate these complex issues, let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” May we strive to be peacemakers in our own lives and communities, advocating for a world where power is exercised with wisdom, justice, and compassion.
Sources:
New York Times: Trump Addresses Power and Morality
The Guardian: Trump on Power and International Law
Chatham House: President Trump and International Law
The Bulletin: Trump Administration’s Approach to International Organizations