By Karen Cheung
Buddhism has had a profound influence on American culture since its introduction in the 19th century, growing from a niche spiritual interest to a mainstream religious and philosophical presence. Today, millions of Americans identify as Buddhist or incorporate Buddhist practices like meditation, mindfulness, and compassion-based ethics into their lives. The religion’s emphasis on inner peace, non-attachment, and social harmony has resonated in a fast-paced, often divisive society. However, the rise of Donald Trump and his polarizing presidency has sparked debate among American Buddhists about how to engage with political turmoil while staying true to Buddhist principles.
Buddhism’s growth in America
Buddhism arrived in the United States with Asian immigrants in the 1800s but gained broader appeal in the 20th century through teachers like D.T. Suzuki, Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Dalai Lama. The Beat Generation and 1960s counterculture further popularized Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, while the mindfulness movement—rooted in Buddhist meditation—has since been secularized and integrated into healthcare, education, and corporate wellness programs.
American Buddhism is diverse, including immigrant communities preserving traditional practices and Western converts adapting teachings to modern life. This diversity means Buddhists hold a wide range of political views, from progressive activism to conservative libertarianism.
Buddhists and the Trump presidency
Donald Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), his ongoing political influence despite losing in 2020, and his volatile second term have forced American Buddhists to confront difficult questions: How does one practice compassion and detachment in the face of divisive rhetoric? Should Buddhists engage in political resistance, or focus on inner transformation?
Some Buddhist leaders argue that Trump’s policies—such as immigration restrictions, climate change denial, and inflammatory speech—directly contradict Buddhist values of compassion (karuṇā), non-harming (ahimsa), and interconnectedness. Prominent teachers like Roshi Joan Halifax and Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams have been vocal critics, framing political engagement as an extension of Buddhist ethics. “We cannot separate our spiritual lives from our responsibility to the world,” Williams has said, advocating for “radical dharma” that challenges systemic injustice.
On the other hand, some Buddhists caution against excessive political attachment, citing the dangers of anger and divisiveness. They argue that mindfulness should cultivate equanimity rather than partisan fervor. A minority of conservative Buddhists even support Trump’s policies on issues like religious liberty or economic nationalism, though this view is less common in predominantly liberal American Buddhist circles.
The Middle Path forward?
The debate reflects a broader tension in Buddhism: whether to prioritize personal enlightenment or social action. The Buddha taught that suffering arises from craving and aversion, yet he also encouraged followers to act with wisdom and kindness in the world.
For many American Buddhists, the answer lies in mindful activism—opposing harmful policies without hatred. Groups like the Buddhist Peace Fellowship promote nonviolent resistance, while meditation centers offer refuge from political stress. Meanwhile, other practitioners choose to disengage, focusing on inner work to avoid the toxicity of partisan conflict.
As Trump unleashes a trade war with friend and foe alike, dismantles the American government, and challenges the Western-led order since the end of the Cold War, American Buddhists continue to grapple with these questions. Whether through protest or prayer, their responses highlight Buddhism’s evolving role in a divided nation—one that seeks balance between spiritual peace and social justice.
Ultimately, Buddhism’s impact in the U.S. may hinge on its ability to bridge inner tranquility with outward engagement, offering a path beyond polarization.
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