On Tuesday, Kinzinger told MSNBC’s Alex Wagner that many U.S. pastors are “failing their congregation” either by praising Trump “from the pulpit” or by not warning against “corrosive” far-right ideology. “You have people today that, literally, I think in their heart—they may not say it—but they equate Donald Trump with the person of Jesus Christ,” says the congressman, who identifies as a Christian. “If you even come out against this ‘amazing man Donald Trump,’ which, obviously quite flawed, you are coming out against Jesus, against their Christian values.”
Kinzinger, who was censured by the Republican National Committee, says the GOP is now “committed to conspiracy” rather than to “truth.”
The congressman also addresses some harsh words of “disappointment” he received from his own family. In a letter, 11 relatives accused Kinzinger of joining “the Devil’s army (the Democrats and the fake news media).” In response, he laments the “tribalistic” nature of American politics and society. “And so you accept anything because now Republicanism or conservatism or Trumpism becomes your identity,” says the congressman. “I’ve been kicked out of my tribe, and that’s okay.”
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