Kansas Senate hopeful challenges Trump on faith as president promises rally for Marshall

President Donald Trump is promising a campaign rally in Kansas for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall while launching personal attacks against his Democratic challenger, prompting the Methodist pastor to question whether the administration's policies reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In a lengthy Truth Social post Monday, Trump called Marshall one of his favorite senators and accused Democrat Adam Hamilton of being a radical liberal who has caused turmoil within his church.

But Hamilton, who leads one of the nation's largest Methodist congregations, pushed back during a televised interview Monday.

"Do the policies of Vice President Vance and Donald Trump … do they reflect the Jesus of the Gospels?" Hamilton asked. "And the answer is no."

Hamilton defended his religious convictions, describing his daily prayers and commitment to following Jesus while rejecting accusations that his views are outside the political mainstream.

He also argued that those on the political left sometimes consider him too much of a centrist.

The exchange comes after Trump and Vice President JD Vance repeatedly questioned Hamilton's religious beliefs and criticized sermons addressing race, climate change and social justice.

Trump's latest attack included allegations that Hamilton mishandled child sexual abuse complaints involving a church camp volunteer in 2005 and 2006.

The church initially investigated complaints internally before contacting law enforcement after additional allegations surfaced. Hamilton has acknowledged authorities should have been contacted sooner but denies covering up abuse.

A previous review of court records did not substantiate central allegations that Hamilton orchestrated a cover-up.

Trump also defended Marshall against criticism over his former medical practice's debt collection methods.

An investigation of Kansas court records found Marshall and his medical practice sued more than 700 patients over unpaid bills. Patients were arrested in 81 cases after missing court appearances, while some faced wage garnishments and annual interest rates of 18%.

Trump claimed Marshall was legally obligated to pursue those debts or face criminal prosecution.

The increasingly personal campaign battle comes as Republicans work to defend a Senate seat Democrats have not won since 1932.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from "Lean Republican" to "Toss Up," a significant development in a state Trump carried by approximately 16 percentage points in 2024.

Trump says a "Kansas Style Rally" is coming soon, although no date or location has been announced.