Rep. Troy Nehls, a retiring Texas Republican and vocal Trump ally, told CNN he considers Donald Trump "better than sliced bread" and "almost the second coming." His comments drew criticism even from some on the political right and come amid broader debate about religious or messianic language used to describe the former president. Other figures, including Pastor Paula White and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have also used providential language when discussing Trump.
Rep. Troy Nehls Calls Trump 'Almost the Second Coming' in Controversial Interview
Troy Nehls speaks to reporters on Nov. 14, 2023, in Washington, D.C.(Anna Rose Layden / Getty Images)
Retiring Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls stirred controversy after telling CNN that he believes former President Donald Trump is "better than sliced bread" and "almost the second coming, in my humble opinion." Nehls’s remarks came during a week of heightened attention to comments and imagery that critics say portray Trump in religious or messianic terms.
“I believe that Donald Trump is, uhh, better than sliced bread. I think he’s almost the second coming, in my humble opinion. I think he’s done a fantastic job — he’s got a very difficult job. The pope’s got a tough job — you know, got issues in the church. But Donald Trump has a very, very difficult job, the toughest job in the world.”
Critics seized on the language as an example of idolatrous rhetoric around a living political leader. Observers pointed out that, while the presidency is demanding, much of the recent news cycle around Trump has included attention-grabbing controversies such as dispute over Kennedy Center arm rests and public debate about his plans for White House renovations, including a proposed ballroom.
Even some figures on the political right pushed back. For example, podcaster Stew Peters — a polarizing commentator with a large following — voiced sharp criticism of Nehls’s effusive praise.
Nehls’s comments follow broader trends among certain conservative religious figures who have described Trump’s role in spiritual terms. At a recent meeting of the so‑called Religious Liberty Commission, prosperity preacher Pastor Paula White described the commission’s formation as “absolutely divine providence.” Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the commission’s chair, recounted a phone call from Trump as a sign of providential intervention, calling it “a God thing.”
Whether framed as fervent support or unsettling idolatry, Nehls’s remarks highlight how religious language continues to surface in political discourse — and how those statements can provoke disagreement even within the same political coalition.
Original reporting first published on MS NOW.
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