Yesterday, DC insider Michael Whatley cozied up to far-right extremists, saying at a Christian nationalist event that “we don’t need separation of church and state,” an unconstitutional position that is wildly out of step with a majority of Americans.
The Christian nationalist group is one that Mark Robinson frequently campaigned with. Whatley has a history of “embrac[ing]” extremists, especially Robinson:
- Whatley called Robinson a “man of the people” and the “greatest Lieutenant Governor in the United States.”
- Whatley refused to denounce Robinson amid his many scandals.
- Just a few weeks ago, Whatley was “hammer[ed]” for his role in elevating Robinson to power despite his controversies.
Read more below on Whatley cozying up to extremists.
WRAL: GOP Senate candidate Whatley: ‘We don’t need separation of church and state’
Monica Casey | September 9, 2025
- Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley on Monday pushed pastors to run for public office, called on churches to encourage their congregations to register to vote and promoted the dissolution of the separation of church and state.
- “We don’t need separation of faith and politics. We don’t need separation of church and state.”
- The group has received criticism from some groups who say it is promoting Christian nationalism, arguing that the blurring of the lines between church and state is harmful to democracy. A group called Christians Against Christian Nationalism planned a protest on Monday outside the summit.
- A 2024 Pew Research poll showed most Americans support the principle of separation of church and state.
- The organization and Whatley declined interview requests on Monday. WRAL News asked Whatley’s campaign for his position on the group and Christian nationalism. A campaign spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to the request.
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