Jesuit Father Tehomas Reese is saying that former President Donald Trump is a true figure of the antichrist. In an opinion piece written for Religion News Service, Reese contends that, when compared to the Gospel message, leaders like Trump can be viewed as antichrists.

“If we compare the Gospel message with that of Trump and other authoritarian leaders, we can only conclude that he and they are antichrists,” he wrote.

Reese’s article, titled “In a World Where Christ Is King, Authoritarian Leaders Can Only Be Antichrists,” explores the notion that “anti-democratic leaders” like Trump often promise to deliver justice through any means necessary. He emphasizes the recent celebration of Christ the King in the Catholic Church and contrasts Christ’s kingdom with the leadership of individuals labeled as “antichrists,” such as Donald Trump.

In the piece, Reese highlights the global trend of authoritarian leaders making similar promises, referencing recent elections in Italy, Brazil, and the Netherlands that brought populist leaders to power. These leaders, he suggests, position themselves as heroes in their narratives, pledging to “destroy our enemies and protect us from outsiders.”

“They will not be slowed down by democratic niceties or laws,” he stated, adding, “Each promises that if we put him in power, if we make him king, he will save us. We will have success and prosperity,”

Reese’s theory of Trump is not surprising given his past support for President Joe Biden during the 2020 election. Disregarding the Church’s moral stance against abortion, he encouraged fellow Catholics to join the “Catholics for Biden” grassroots group in a bid to engage Catholic voters and generate enthusiasm for the Biden-Harris ticket.

“A Catholic Democrat might feel impelled to vote for Biden despite his position on abortion and gay marriage because of other morally grave reasons, for example, his positions on racism, immigration, global warming and COVID-19,” he argued at the time.