A group of evangelical leaders has publicly commended former President Donald Trump for his direction on artificial intelligence, hailing him as a guiding figure during a pivotal moment in technological evolution.

According to Fox News, Eighteen prominent figures from the evangelical community published an open letter last week recognizing Trump’s leadership in AI development while warning about its moral and societal consequences.

Describing Trump as the “AI President,” the letter credited his influence to “Divine Providence,” emphasizing faith-driven support for technological progress that aligns with moral values. It was signed by religious leaders, including Rev. Johnnie Moore and Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, who head major national Christian organizations.

Faith Leaders Support Innovation With Caution

These leaders stressed they are advocates of scientific advancement, noting technology has long supported the effectiveness and reach of their ministries. At the same time, they warned that innovation must be managed responsibly, especially given AI’s potential to disrupt multiple sectors.

The letter acknowledged that the economic opportunities of AI are promising if guided thoughtfully. It urged for quicker but responsible progress, stating that slowing down the AI revolution is not the goal—steering it wisely is.

Faith leaders outlined their dual concerns and hopes for AI, calling for developments that help cure diseases and solve practical dilemmas. However, they cautioned against deploying advanced machine intelligence that could evolve beyond human control.

Trump's AI Efforts Gain Religious Backing

The publication of the faith letter came shortly after Trump signed an executive order in April establishing a nationwide AI education initiative. The order created a federal task force to incorporate AI into school programs through cooperation with agencies and private organizations.

Through the executive order, the former president aimed to prepare the U.S. workforce and educational institutions to keep pace with the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence in daily life and industry.

In light of these initiatives, the religious signatories suggested that the government take additional steps. They proposed forming a dedicated advisory body or empowering an agency to help steer the nation's engagement with AI through an ethical and spiritual framework.

Global Tech Warnings Echoed in Faith Letter

To reinforce their concerns, the evangelical leaders pointed to cautionary remarks by prominent tech figures such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Sam Altman. They noted that these experts, from the secular realm, also acknowledge that AI development carries significant risks if left unchecked.

Among those risks, the letter highlighted the potential for widespread job loss, which could negatively impact human well-being and increase social instability. Faith leaders indicated that such challenges must be approached with thoughtful regulation.

They observed that technological revolutions throughout history have created opportunity but also disruption. Echoing this, they warned that a world without labor or clear human roles could undermine human dignity if AI is not thoughtfully managed.

Ethical and Theological Concerns Highlighted

The faith leaders devoted substantial attention to the ethical concerns associated with machines potentially surpassing human intellect. They emphasized that artificial general intelligence raises profound moral questions and theological implications.

“One does not have to be religious to recognize religion as a type of compounding wisdom over the centuries,” they wrote, stressing that nearly all spiritual traditions caution against a future without human purpose or structure.

They further noted that AI’s influence touches on the very definition of humanity, making it an issue not only for technologists and policy officials but also for philosophers and religious thinkers.

Pope’s Message Adds Broader Context

The letter’s release closely followed public remarks by Pope Leo XIV, who compared the ascendance of AI to the Industrial Revolution. He urged the Catholic Church to deeply consider AI’s impact on human identity, labor, and societal structures.

The convergence of concern from evangelical circles and the broader Christian community underlines a growing awareness of AI’s far-reaching effects. Together, these messages suggest a united call for thoughtful global leadership on the issue.

Ultimately, the evangelical leaders’ letter did not oppose AI development, but rather advocated for balanced growth. “We do not want to see the AI revolution slowing,” the letter explained, “but we want to see the AI revolution accelerating responsibly.”