Electoral battles

Trump makes play for evangelicals by noting his problems in Mormon-rich Utah

Trump was squarely in businessman mode, staying away from theology and divisive social issues during his address, instead suggesting that the church had lost its leverage and its popularity because of government interference.

He offered a simple formula to bring back the power of religion: repealing a federal rule that limits churches and other tax-exempt organizations from participating in electoral politics.

“You’ve lost your voice,” Trump told the audience of church leaders. “We’re going to get it back.” He then dove into the history of an amendment introduced in the 1950s by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson (D-Tex.) that limited electoral activity by tax-exempt groups.