Donald Trump made an uncharacteristic effort on Sunday, September 21, in Arizona. He spent considerable time praising someone other than himself. The occasion called for it: Tens of thousands had filled State Farm Stadium in Glendale, near Phoenix, to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, the leader of the organization Turning Point USA, who was killed in Utah on September 10.

Praising "our greatest evangelist for American liberty," now "immortal," the US president recalled that this MAGA (Make America Great Again) figure loved debate without holding grudges. "That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry!" The billionaire was anything but, relishing his own ferocity. In the same speech, Trump declared, "We have to bring back religion to America, because without borders, law and order and religion, you really don't have a country anymore (...) We want God back."

The return of God – but which God? The one who forgives, or the one who punishes, which is the only aspect that seems to interest the US president at this moment. Religion, faith, commitment and the Bible were constant themes at this unprecedented event, which gathered much of the administration and members of Congress. For hours, tributes to the deceased, sermons and political digressions followed one another on stage. Was it a homage, a political rally or a crusade? The confusion was understandable, as the blending of genres was intentional and premeditated.

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