Joel Osteen is viewed as a religious leader who inspires and provides words of advice through speeches, podcasts, TV appearances and books. Osteen has millions of followers around the world and a diverse membership at his Lakewood Church in Houston.
But Osteen is currently facing backlash because of what he said about presidential candidate Donald Trump. During an interview with FOX News Radio in October 2015, Osteen was asked his thoughts about Trump and his slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Osteen began the statement by saying he wasn’t on top of politics, but he also praised Trump.
“Mr. Trump, he is an incredible communicator and brander like President Clinton said. He’d been a friend of our ministry. He’s a good man,” Osteen said.
Since deciding to run for president, Trump has built his campaign by using racism, lies, and rhetoric. He has called for violence against his protesters and has shown a lack of knowledge about common issues that are crucial to being a political leader. However, he currently has the best chance of becoming the Republican nominee.
Osteen didn’t formally endorse Trump, but some who followed him have decided to blast him on social media.
Here are the reactions below:
Joel Osteen endorsing someone who preaches hate and racism. Yeah. I think he missed a few pages in the Bible.
— Valentina Cano (@valca85) March 14, 2016
Damn Joel Osteen. We had such a good thing going!
— Makho Ndlovu (@makhondlovu) March 14, 2016
Wait, people are just figuring out that Joel Osteen is a fraud?
— Matt Murphy (@MattMurph24) March 14, 2016
Joel Osteen and Paula White have both endorsed Trump. This just proves that white evangelicalism is both evil & racist to the core.
— Brittney Cooper (@ProfessorCrunk) March 14, 2016
As soon as Joel Osteen announced he’s endorsing Trump for president, Jesus announced he’s no longer endorsing Joel Osteen
— trace (@tcraig9) March 14, 2016
Doesn’t surprise me that Joel Osteen likes Trump. Frauds and apostates tend to stick together.
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) March 14, 2016
Joel Osteen’s relationship with the Bible is very similar to Donald Trump’s relationship with the US Tax Code. “What’s in it for me.”
— Megan Romer ⚜ (@meganromer) March 14, 2016
