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Elias Gbadamosi
Department of Journalism and Media Communication, Colorado State University
Fort Collins CO, USA
(Correspondence: Elias.Gbadamosi@colostate.edu)
Citation: Gbadamosi, E. (2025). Politics on the Pulpit: YouTube Discourse and Evangelical Influence in the 2024 US Presidential Elections. JoCTEC, 7(3), pp. 1-29. DOI: doi.org/10.51548/joctec.7.3.2025.01
Abstract: As the intertwining of religion and politics becomes more widespread, this study investigates the complex relationship between politics and evangelicalism, particularly in the context of the 2024 US presidential elections. Employing Andre Brock's critical technocultural discourse analysis method, the research examines the YouTube discourse of two evangelical pastor-politicians - Jackson Lahmeyer and Sean Feucht - in relation to the 2024 United States presidential election. The analysis uncovers strategies utilized by both religious leaders to merge religious fervor with political ambition aligned with Trumpism. Additionally, their adept utilization of YouTube's features and visual rhetoric amplifies the reach and emotional impact of messages advocating for a blend of Christian nationalism and dominion theology intertwined with support for Trump's 2024 re-election bid. Crucially, their influence extends beyond digital platforms, attracting attention from mainstream media and potentially shaping narratives that sway voter decisions.
Keywords: Evangelical Christianity, Christian nationalism, Dominion theology, Seven Mountain mandate, Critical technocultural discourse analysis, YouTube