In the 2020 election, Donald Trump’s campaign notably focused on courting smaller religious groups, aiming to solidify his support among niche communities, especially in critical swing states. While Trump’s dominance over the white evangelical vote is well-documented, his strategic outreach extended to groups like Coptic Christians and Amish communities, recognizing that every vote held significance in a tightly contested election. This targeted approach was underpinned by the understanding that microtargeting specific demographics could yield pivotal electoral gains, even if traditional voter surveys, such as exit polls, struggled to capture the true impact of these efforts.
A poignant example of Trump’s outreach occurred just a week before the election when he posted a message on social media addressed to Coptic Christians in the United States, acknowledging their historical struggles and affirming their faith and love for America. This marked a notable moment for the Coptic community, who traditionally felt underrepresented but resonated with Trump’s conservative rhetoric. Mariam Wahba, a Coptic Christian, remarked that witnessing a major U.S. presidential candidate engage with their community was unprecedented and profound. The bond was further solidified when Coptic bishops congratulated Trump after his victory, recognizing shared social and familial values.
Trump’s outreach efforts also reached other Middle Eastern Christian communities, such as Assyrian Christians. Sam Darmo, a co-founder of Assyrians for Trump, highlighted that many in his community were drawn to Trump’s stances on key issues such as the economy and immigration. Although some younger members of these communities voiced concerns about Trump’s overall approach to immigration and the potential tokenization of their identity, there remained a palpable connection to his administration’s initiatives aimed at supporting Christians facing persecution in the Middle East. This multifaceted engagement exemplifies the complex dynamics within Middle Eastern Christian demographics, which are not monolithic in their political affiliations.
Simultaneously, Trump and the Republican Party sought to capture the votes of the Amish community, particularly in Pennsylvania where their numbers are concentrated. Although traditionally, a small percentage of Amish voters participate in elections due to their communal lifestyle, the GOP’s concerted marketing efforts in Lancaster County included billboards, mailers, and direct outreach aimed at increasing turnout. Amish voters such as Samuel Stoltzfus expressed alignment with Trump’s anti-abortion stance, emphasizing a desire for a return to traditional moral values. However, while some increase in Republican support was noted in broader Lancaster County, dedicated research into Amish voting patterns indicated that overall engagement among Amish voters remained relatively static compared to previous elections.
Engaging with Jewish communities, Trump also aimed to connect with Orthodox Jews, particularly through a symbolic visit to the resting place of Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of the Chabad Lubavitch movement. This visit, which occurred on the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, underscored Trump’s intentions to resonate strongly with Jewish voters, despite traditional support for Democratic candidates in the broader Jewish electorate. The act of visiting the Ohel and participating in customary traditions demonstrated a personal connection Trump aimed to foster with Jewish constituents, highlighting any attempts to sway Orthodox Jewish sentiment toward his campaign and policies.
Ultimately, Trump’s outreach strategies across various religious groups illustrate the evolving landscape of American politics, where candidates increasingly recognize the significance of minority communities in influencing electoral outcomes. His efforts to engage Coptic Christians, Amish voters, and Orthodox Jews showcase how even smaller demographic segments can become critical in swing states. However, the diversity of thought within these communities and the varying responses to Trump’s agendas reveal a multifaceted political reality that necessitates ongoing dialogue and engagement to foster understanding across the political spectrum. The interplay between faith, culture, and political allegiance that emerged during this electoral cycle emphasizes that future campaigns must remain attuned to the nuanced perspectives and values held by these distinct groups.