As the Trump administration enters its second term, Catholic intellectuals across the United States are expressing optimism about the potential direction of several key policies, particularly those concerning education, parental rights, and the recognition of biological sex. These changes are welcomed as a victory for social justice, natural law, and moral order by many Catholic scholars and public figures.
According to Catholic News Agency, Susan Hanssen, an author and associate professor of history at the University of Dallas, believes that President Trump’s second term will bring decisive actions to reform the federal government in ways that benefit the American people. Hanssen noted to CNA that Trump is “better prepared than his first entry into federal government and unhampered by the need to seek reelection” and that his base is “watching hopefully for deep structural changes that cannot be easily reversed or rolled back.” One of the most anticipated changes is in the Department of Justice and the FBI, where Hanssen expects reforms to prevent the targeting of political enemies through government institutions.
Hanssen also highlighted what she sees as a critical issue in education. She predicted significant measures aimed at giving more control over education to the states and, most importantly, to parents. “Parental rights over the education of their children is a fundamental issue of social justice, and this includes allowing parents the right to choose religious education for their children,” Hanssen stated. This shift is expected to empower parents to make more decisions regarding their children’s education, including the choice of religious schooling, which aligns with the beliefs of many Catholic families across the country.
As the administration moves forward, several Catholic thought leaders have also celebrated Trump’s stance on gender. Political theorist and University of Notre Dame professor Patrick Deneen took to social media to lambast the outgoing Biden administration, expressing support for Trump’s emphasis on a “common sense” approach to public policy. Deneen remarked in two Jan. 20 posts on X, “We have been living under a lawless regime for quite some time,” and expressed his approval of the new administration’s direction.
One of the most significant policy changes came on the first day of Trump’s second term when the president signed a series of executive orders, including one that mandates the recognition of only two biological sexes. Ethics and Public Policy Center President Ryan Anderson, a Catholic author known for his book When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment, responded positively to this executive order. Anderson shared on social media, “Thank you @realdonaldtrump” and cheekily asked, “Does this mean Amazon will be selling my book again?” Anderson’s endorsement was based on his firm belief that the policy aligns with a just law, grounded in natural and eternal law. As he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with moral law.” Anderson further explained that, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, an unjust law is one that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.
Catholic columnist and editor Sohrab Ahmari also weighed in on Trump’s inaugural address, noting that the crowds gathered at the Capital One Arena roared “loudest at the pledge to uphold two sexes.” This reaction highlights the widespread support for Trump’s stance among his base, including those in the Catholic community, who view the acknowledgment of biological sex as a fundamental moral and scientific truth.
The enthusiasm among Catholic intellectuals underscores a broader trend in American Catholic thought, where the belief in the sanctity of life, the importance of natural law, and the protection of parental rights are seen as essential to the flourishing of society. As Trump’s second term begins, these Catholic thinkers are hopeful that the administration will continue to champion these values and bring about meaningful changes in areas like education, gender, and religious freedom.
As we watch the unfolding of these policy shifts, it is clear that for many Catholics, the Trump administration represents a commitment to upholding principles that align with Catholic social teaching. Whether through empowering parents, affirming the truth of two genders, or restoring order to federal institutions, the anticipated reforms are seen as a step toward greater justice and moral clarity.