Evangelical praise of Trump centers on an explicit list of traditional masculine traits

Evidence

Trump believes in “strength” and a “strong America” that corresponds to traditional masculinity. The “John Wayne America” ideal man sits tall in the saddle; doesn’t whine or complain; fights and dies for things that matter; exhibits courage in the face of danger; works hard—maybe even an unbalanced amount; provides for his family; builds things (institutions, buildings, businesses) that others inhabit; leaves the world a better place; may speak with machismo—but never effeminacy; and communicates hope even when it defies logic. — Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne, 612

Categorization

• DEFINE: This list is a concrete operationalization of the book’s central concept ‘militant masculinity’ — a definition in practice, offered directly by evangelical supporters themselves.
• XREF: The traits listed (sits tall, doesn’t complain, fights, works excessively, builds things) map exactly onto the book’s earlier chapters on Evangelical Manhood, Focus on the Family, and the ‘good man/bad man’ binary. — connects to: Trump’s conduct consecrates the white male supremacy entrenched in traditional values — Wendy Brown, In the Ruins of Neoliberalism: The Rise…, 293