New American Pope Voted GOP—But Trump Allies Cry Foul Over Anti-MAGA Posts

In a twist that’s sending shockwaves through both Rome and Republican circles, newly elected Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert F. Prevost of Chicago—has a documented history of voting in Republican primaries. But don’t pop the champagne just yet, MAGA Nation. His recent public statements suggest the Vatican may not be leaning red after all.

A Republican Voter Becomes Pope

Pope Leo XIV made history this week as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. But long before donning white robes and stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Robert Prevost was casting ballots in Illinois Republican primaries.

According to voting records obtained by The Washington Free Beacon, Prevost voted in the GOP primaries in 2012, 2014, and 2016. He also voted in the general elections in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2024. While Illinois doesn’t allow voters to register with a political party, primary voting records offer a window into political leanings—and Prevost, on paper, looked like a Republican voter.

“His primary record places him squarely in the GOP column at a time when the party was becoming increasingly populist and nationalist,” said Matt Knee, chief data officer at Pulse Decision Science, a conservative political data firm. “But the story doesn’t end there.”

Silence in 2016—and a Pattern Emerges

Knee points to one glaring omission: Prevost didn’t vote in the 2016 general election, the year Donald Trump shocked the world by taking the White House.

“That absence speaks volumes,” said Knee. “He voted GOP in the primaries and then sat out one of the most pivotal elections in modern American history? That’s what we’d expect from a Never Trumper or someone deeply conflicted about where the party was heading.”

Public Posts Raise Red Flags

While Prevost has remained largely silent on partisan politics, his digital footprint has fueled suspicions about his ideological tilt. In February, he reposted an article sharply criticizing Vice President JD Vance’s Catholic defense of Trump-era immigration policies.

Even earlier—just weeks after Trump’s 2015 campaign launch—Prevost shared an op-ed titled “Why Donald Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Is So Problematic.” That post, which resurfaced after his papal election, has stirred outrage among conservative Catholics.

“He is anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis,” conservative firebrand Laura Loomer blasted on social media. “Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to. Just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”

Trump Allies Watching Closely

Prevost’s rise comes at a time when the American Catholic vote remains a powerful swing force. Trump made strong inroads with Catholic voters in 2016 and 2020—particularly among Latino and working-class communities. Some conservative strategists worry that a politically progressive Pope could dampen that momentum.

“The optics here matter,” said GOP strategist Ray Hollister. “For a guy who’s voted Republican in the past, Pope Leo XIV is sounding more and more like someone who walked away from the party once Trump took over.”

A Vatican Shift—or More of the Same?

Prevost is seen by many as a theological moderate with strong administrative skills—much like Pope Francis, whom he served under closely. He was appointed by Francis as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and was considered instrumental in shaping the Church’s modern stance on global migration and social justice.

“Don’t be fooled by his American passport or past voting record,” Hollister added. “This is Rome doubling down on a globalist, left-leaning agenda.”

For conservative Catholics and Trump loyalists, Pope Leo XIV may prove to be a disappointment. But his past GOP primary votes leave a lingering question: Was he once with us—or is he a Vatican insider who quietly turned?

Bottom Line: America may have its first pope—but whether he’s America First remains to be seen.