Donald Trump and Captain Moroni
Is Donald Trump[BIO] some kind of Captain Moroni[BIO] figure?
No. At least, not as recognized by the Church.
But why do some people think he is?
Probably because Captain Moroni was a military leader[1] who was angry at government corruption[2] and led his countrymen in defense of freedom.[3] Some people think Donald Trump has similar qualities,[4] and they have supported the comparison.[5]
Did Utah Senator Mike Lee[BIO] say that Trump was like Captain Moroni?
Yes. In a 2020 Trump campaign rally,[6] Lee pointed to Trump and said,[7] “To my Mormon friends, my Latter-day Saint friends, think of him as Captain Moroni. He seeks not power, but to pull it down; he seeks not the praise of the world or of the fake news, but he seeks the well being and peace of the American people."[8]
Did Senator Lee receive backlash?
Yes. Many Church members disagreed.[9] Some suggested a comparison of Trump to King Noah[BIO][10] or Amalickiah[BIO][11] would be more appropriate. Others were more upset with the act of using scriptures or religion to score political points.[12]
Did Senator Lee apologize or backpedal?
Sort of. He mostly clarified.[13]
What about the Captain Moroni cosplayer at the U.S. Capitol riots?
On January 6, 2021, Nathan Wayne Entrekin[BIO] entered the Capitol Building dressed as Captain Moroni.[14] He carried a cloth flag with the same words Moroni wrote on his Title of Liberty.[15] In an interview that day,[16] Entrekin explained he was “here for freedom”[17] and drew parallels to the story of Moroni.[18] Entrekin was arrested July 15, 2021, on two misdemeanor charges for his participation in the riot at the Capitol.[19]
So did the story of Captain Moroni contribute to the Capitol riots?
Perhaps, in some small way.[20] There were only two publicly identified Latter-day Saints involved in the events at the Capitol.[21]
Has the Church made any statements related to Trump and Captain Moroni?
No, not specifically. After Mike Lee's rally remarks, a media specialist for the Church in Arizona reiterated, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is neutral in matters of party politics."[22] And following the Capitol riots, the Church released an official statement condemning the violence.[23] The Church has not made statements regarding the comparison or connection between Moroni and Trump.
- Dallin R
“Let me come out and say it: I don't like Trump. I don't like how people use religion (including mine) to stir up contention. Captain Moroni might have been a soldier, but I don't think the LDS faith is to blame for people supporting Trump.”