In First Interview, Pope Leo Criticizes Trump, Vance, and the MAGA Movement

The first American pope makes it clear that he isn't MAGA

Today’s release of Pope Leo’s first major interview confirms what had been anticipated: the first American pope isn’t a MAGA man.

The interview, conducted by Elise Ann Allen for Crux and part of a new biography, tackles several hot-button issues — immigration, politics, MAGA, sex abuse, LGBTQ+ inclusion — and makes clear where Pope Leo stands.

One of the clearest criticisms is of Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement. Pope Leo distances himself from them: he says he is not a Trump supporter. He notes that even his brother identifies as a “MAGA type,” but emphasizes they’re in “different places.”

Leo points out that while the U.S. has global influence, decisions are often driven by economics rather than human dignity, and he promises to “raise questions” directly with President Trump — who has yet to call the pope — when policies conflict with moral or Gospel values.

Regarding Vice President JD Vance, Pope Leo recalls meeting with him in May and using that occasion to push back on the Trump Administration’s immigration policy.

(The full video of their awkward encounter is below.)

He again rejected the theological justifications used by Vance to defend mass deportation programs.

As for MAGA more broadly, Leo condemns what he sees as excesses of nationalist politics — walls, exclusion, prioritizing identity over human dignity.

Though he makes it clear he won’t align himself with political factions, he also won’t stay silent when policies — especially on immigration — violate the Church’s moral teaching.

What does this tell us going forward?

First, Pope Leo is setting a tone of moral critique without partisanship. He seems determined to have the Church speak into issues like migration, human rights, and dignity without being co-opted by political polarization.

Second, while he preserves core Church doctrines on hot-button issues, he, like Pope Francis, emphasizes pastoral care, inclusion, and the need to treat all people with respect — especially migrants and the LGBTQ community.

Critically, there is risk here: MAGA allies will see this as hostile, and conservatives within the Church might resist what they perceive as critiques of “their side.”

To maintain credibility, Leo will need consistency — calling things out when necessary, regardless of who is in power — and clarity, so people know he isn’t merely playing to one political audience or another.

If the first four months are any indication so far, the Villanova-educated canon lawyer and missionary priest has exactly what it takes to get the job done.

Letters from Leo is open to anyone who wants to be informed and inspired by our pope — and to turn that inspiration into action that leaves America and the world more just, less cold, and more alive with hope.

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Thank you for reading. I’ll see you on the road.