Musician Lee Greenwood is best known as the author of the song "God Bless the USA." But he's now making another name for himself: Bible salesman.
During a President's Day television appearance to honor America’s 250th birthday, Greenwood's bold sales pitch for his "God Bless the USA" Bible touched a nerve – and sparked widespread criticism.
In the closing moments of the interview, Greenwood pulled out a Bible in what appeared to be a last-second sales pitch:
"I wanted to make sure you understand that I have this Bible,” Greenwood interjected, Bible aloft, as the hosts were in the process of ending the interview. “This is God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, talking about my song, and this is something that everyone needs in their home. GodblessUSAbible.com, you can get one of these for Easter. Give it as a gift. I have one for all of you."
Greenwood’s brief Bible sales pitch has ignited a wave of controversy across the internet, as critics quickly began circulating the footage and drawing comparisons to Jesus flipping the tables of the moneychangers.
Is pitching the Bible on TV blasphemous, or simply savvy marketing?
A Brief History of the ‘Trump Bible’
Controversy over this particular version of the Bible extends back a few years. Greenwood began selling his "God Bless the USA" Bible back in 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
The Bible features the United States flag on its cover, as well as numerous foundational documents – the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and more – within its pages.
The book made headlines in 2024 when (then-former) President Trump promoted a new edition during his presidential campaign, colloquially called the "Trump Bible", priced at $60. According to financial disclosures, Trump made at least $1.3 million in royalties from putting his name on the holy text of Christianity – a figure that only intensified debate over faith and profit.
Later that year, this adapted version of the Bible again sparked controversy when then-Oklahoma education head Ryan Walters sought $6 million in taxpayer dollars to place the ‘Trump Bible’ in classrooms across the state – a proposal that sparked fierce backlash over church-state boundaries.
The Holy Sales Pitch
As video of Greenwood’s on-air plug went viral, critics made their feelings known. “Changing the word of God into money in their pockets,” stated one X user.
Others drew direct comparisons to a famous Bible passage:
Yet as accusations of “grifter” and “false prophet” flew, not everyone was convinced Greenwood’s sales pitch was so bad.
“On one hand yes selling ‘branded’ Bibles is distasteful,” wrote one commenter. “On the other hand, if just one person encounters the Word of God as a result, then the effect is good.”
And that’s where the debate sharpens. Defenders argue that Greenwood is bringing his faith directly to an audience – something the Bible explicitly calls Christians to do. If someone willingly spends $60 on a themed Bible that includes patriotic documents, is that fundamentally different from buying a simpler study Bible?
But others point out that Jesus Himself drove the money changers out of the temple, a clear rebuke against the commercialization of faith and the financial exploitation of believers. Critics argue that wrapping scripture in political branding and hefty price tags (then doing a Billy Mays impression on TV) risks diluting Jesus’ message.
So what do you think? When faith and capitalism collide – on live television, no less – where should the line be drawn?
55 comments
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Thomas Edward DeLeon
Another hack wanting to make a fast buck. Have you no shame Mr. Greenwood?
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Billy Coley
Another grifter signing up for the orange jackass cult 'Highway to Hell' express ride
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Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
Backlash? All I have for him is pity. What a sad, old, irrelevant person. I hope that he can read the Bible that he wishes to sell and find some comfort.
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Walter Abington
Bibles of all kinds of gimmicks have been sold for generations. Nothing is sacred.
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Gary. Collins
No it should never be sold for personal profit
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Rev, Rene L.
Does anybody out there think the Bible has not been used from infancy as a money making tool??? I think it was Pope Clement V who said :" It has served us well, this myth of Christ". Please, think of how many ways this book has procured money for so called "Christian" entities!
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Gary. Collins
I have to say selling a bible for personal profit is wrong.
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Ronnie Rozier
it all depends , if it is just another one of these so called translations, then it was wrong. it is the pure word of God from the King James Version, with a creative cover, then maybe its ok ,,
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Michael Burton
Sell, sell, sell. This is all about marketing and making money.
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Donald V. Dunham
There’s a growing trend of turning faith into merchandise, and people need to stop pretending they don’t see it. When you start packaging religion with celebrity branding, patriotic imagery, and political identity, you’re not just selling a sacred text anymore, you’re selling a product engineered to trigger emotion and loyalty.
Let’s be honest. A basic Bible is accessible and affordable almost anywhere. When a celebrity-branded version shows up with a premium price tag and heavy promotion, that isn’t about spreading scripture. That’s marketing. It’s niche branding built on identity, belief, and patriotism, three of the strongest emotional buying triggers that exist.
Faith shouldn’t need a celebrity endorsement to matter. Truth doesn’t require a sales pitch. And belief shouldn’t be packaged like a collector’s item for profit.
If people want to buy it, that’s their choice. But don’t confuse commerce with calling. There’s a difference between sharing a message and monetizing it.
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David Stephen Parker
TheMonastery.org should review its founding principles. This issue is a distraction.
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Tom Herman
No, it is not okay.
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Mary Craig
Complex. Greenwood has a fan base too. If it can be used for the glory of God...Amen
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James Riggle-Johnson
Is this any different than the Mega Church TV Shows getting people to send them money while promising returns on their donations? I don’t think it is.
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Mark K. Morin
just because you can doesnt mean you should....complete lack of respect
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Rev. Donut
Yes. It's OK.. If you don't want it don't buy it.
If someone gives you one, be thankful they were thinking of you.
It's like a computer or TV.
Don't whine and complain about what's on the screen, or in that particular bible. Just change the site or channel or section of the book if you don't like it.
For instance I don't like Jimmy "Cluck" Kimmel or the "Spew" so I don't watch them because to me, they are projectile vomit inducing.
Read or watch the "good parts" (in your opinion) and ignore the rest.
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Gregory Allan McLeod
Spark backlash from a Jewish owned Media company.... Does anybody understand what the Bible says about the Jews?
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Gregory Allan McLeod
Spark backlash from a Jewish owned Media company.... Does anybody understand what the Bible says about the Jews?
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Dr. Mike
No, elighten us
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JT of the plains
Any legitimate billionaire or evangelist who actually wanted people to read the Bible, would not be SELLING Bibles, but would be giving them away.
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Alan Meunier
What comes to mind is something something, "Taking the Lord's Name in Vain", something something....
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Joseph Grieco
Only in the United States of America would they debase the Holy Writ by including secular documentation, and calling it the "God Bless the USA Bible"!
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ServantOfJudgement
Islam did the same thing but worse.
Lol, they called just see a Muslim and all the apostles liars.
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ServantOfJudgement
Tiny keypad sent before I completed!
Not only did the author of islam call all the apostles and Jesus liars, the prophets of the old testament were called liars when the author of the Quran completely perverted the old testament. They literally called God a liar and replaced him with allah.
So you see, before there was a USA, the Bible had been eviscerated and perverted into a book of death.
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Patricia Ann Gross
I don't see how this is any different from a televangelist asking for money to keep the "Word of God" on TV. At least with this you get something tangible, and if it contains the Constitution and Declaration of Independence (the artical alluded to "patriotic documents") how is this different than Trump's Bible? Better grade of leather perhaps? I agree with the comment from the article, "... If someone willingly spends $60 on a themed Bible that includes patriotic documents, is that fundamentally different from buying a simpler study Bible?" Only different because the study Bible helps you understand the context of what is written and doesn't include the "patriotic documents." My "New Interpreter's Study Bible (NRSV version) is my go-to, when I need clarification. I know many of the commentators as they were professors at my seminary, and the translations are based on curated copies from archives that contain some of the original texts.
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Joseph Grieco
I'd be interested in comparing the Declaration and Constitution in that book with the actual documents, or to see if they edited them at all "for context". Yes, the Declaration of Independence DOES contain reference to Divine Providence. If you look at who were the attendees of the 2nd Continental Congress, maybe one third were self-declared Christians. The rest considered themselves Deists. The Constitution contains NO reference to Divine Providence, Deity, God or any other name or attribute. And the 1st Amendment specifically prohibits the establishment of a State Religion, allowing individuals to practice (or not) as they desire. Sadly, too many of the States believe this doesn't apply to them, despite numerous Supreme Court judgements that ruled against them. More sadly, our current Supreme Court has no interest in maintaining Stare Decisis, and willingly overturns previous cases based on weaker arguments.
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Patricia Ann Gross
And it appears that the states also are following the POTUS in defying court orders and Supremen Court precidents. Nothing in their "laws" have anything new than what has already been decided against them.
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ServantOfJudgement
98 percent of the colonists were Christian Mr. Greuco. Give it up. The voters spoke through the Declaration of Independence.
The new nation, United States of America spoke. As hard as you try, as much as you hate the nation as much as you dislike Christianity, you can't escape the mood and spirit of the time. The Christian citizens of the colonies spoke their mind via The Declaration of Independence.
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Patricia Ann Gross
They also ratified the Constitution. I'm not sure what your point is. The Declaration of Independence was the "official divorce decree" between the colonies and England. It was voted on by the Contenental Congress July 2 in 1776, and became official on July 4, 1776. The Constitution and Bill of Rights were adopted in the late 1780s. Amendments (past the Bill of Rights, I believe) were the only ones that required votes passed by the people. The Continental Congress acted on behalf of the people before then.
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Reverend Paula Copp
The orange one’s regime is corrupt to its core. Why wouldn’t this be just another grift on his part? HE and his ilk are a blight on humanity and an embarrassment to Christianity!
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Raymond John Costa, Jr
Did I miss something? How does whatever Lee Greenwood does have to do with President Trump? I don't agree with anyone selling the bible, but there's publishing companies making money from it every day. Take a look, Rev, your TDS is showing...
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Father Frederick
Interesting ... is this really an issue, or is it TKD? (Twitchy knee disorder).
I seem to recall several anti-Christian and anti-Bible rants by musicians, actors, and even members of Congress and Senate over the last couple of decades. And nobody said squat.
And now the dog whistle has been blown because of what Lee said; because a few people acquired a catchy case of systematic complaining and drag others into the discussion which nobody else cares about to somehow justify their position.
I think there are more important things to deal with than Lee and Bibles.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Selling it on TV is pretty annoying but it is no sillier than believing that nonsense in the first place.
Come to think of it, isn’t there another shyster selling his version of the bible?
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Rev Ned
Who’da thunk it?!? djt’s Bible grift appears to be contagious!
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Rev. BH
Yes Bob, it does bother me.
Included: "Founding Documents: The U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance." Do these exclusively American documents belong in a (supposedly) Christian bible?
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ServantOfJudgement
For a while in the 90s people were handing out Bibles and constitutions at local fairs. I grabbed a constitution. I figure a fella is playing with fire if he adds anything to the Bible not pertaining to the bible or altering it's declarations.
If the Bible is true, Joseph Smith is in some hot water along with whoever wrote the Jehovah's witness Bible and the Quran. If it's not true then I guess it doesn't matter. Probably Trump and this guy would get a talking to about their additions to the book.
I'd not buy one though, God's government is not the usa government. When USA collapses, the constitution will die with it.
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Robert J Giammarco
Agree, Servant, then we shouldn't complain about ALL the Hotels/Motels that we should eliminate these bibles. You want to read, you have a CHOICE!
To Rev. BH, complaining about the founding Documents is unbelievable. Yet, he calls himself a REVEREND. I imagine you are also one who is gathering his flock to protest all the founding documents, which is suppose to make us a sane society. Yet, your reverence is complaining about someone who mentions a bible. Total SILLINESS. Maybe all these so called MINISTERS should go back and read it. Sadly, you are NOT a servant of the LORD! IMHO.
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Rev. BH
Bobby, I'm complaining about the founding documents incorporated into the bible Just as I would complain about the bible incorporated into The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Nor am not complaining about "someone who mentions a bible."
Please read what people actually post, not your personal beefs.
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Robert J Giammarco
I'm NOT Bobby. If you don't know who you are addressing, stay silent and remain a servant of the Lord, and do his work, rather than preaching discord as so many are now doing. Thank you.
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Rev. BH
Isn't Bobby short for Robert? Don't pretend you don't know whom I'm addressing. And my unresponded to comment remains for your consideration.
"Stay silent"? I think not.
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Robert J Giammarco
NO REV BH, If you can't be courteous, then I think you should be silent! just another radical person, who wants to command respect, yet has none for anyone else. TYPICAL OF EVILNESS. Which seems to abound in these blogs. YOU, sir, are no servant of GOD. Have a nice day.
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Rev. BH
And if you can't be more peaceable and less hostile, I have no idea which god you serve.
Well, maybe ...
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Robert J Giammarco
Rev BH, I am not being hostile. YOU should speak. YOU are the one who attacked me. I seriously doubt you even know GOD. Stop your pettiness and your ridiculous attacks on me. Your tactics and comments against me are exactly what the EVILNESS that surrounds us daily continues to do. Again, you are NOT a servant of the LORD, but a deceiver for the devil. Have a nice life.
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Rev. BH
Wow.
Well, too much space has been taken up by this "conversation". I yield the floor, gang.
Robert J Giammarco, have a nice minute.
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Robert J Giammarco
Rev BH, Because your comments are immature, and I am being nice. You and the rest of the ilk are making a mountain out of a molehill. Most of you are going nuts over someone presenting a BIBLE. One that we are ALL supposed to RESPECT. However, from many comments, such as yours, you have wasted the floor. You and those DO NEED to be called on the carpet. I'm NOT here to win and argue over the stupidity of so many of these useless blogs. Like YOU, I have a right to voice my concern. We can agree to disagree. Sadly, as I have stated, ministers and others here get rattled when they can't win, possibly due to their questionable remarks. YOUR yielding is graciously accepted. However, I seriously doubt you are sincere in your remarks. You have a great rest of the week. Its been a pleasure trying to understand your thoughts. May the Lord's light continue to guide you. Thank you.
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Colleen McAllister
Buying this version of the Bible is no worse than any of the hundreds of versions out there. I have a Precious Moments version which includes illustrations throughout. What this shows is a matter of taste. Or lack thereof.
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Robert J Giammarco
Does this really biother someone? It's OK if you share your views, but let's avoid making a fuss over someone else's beliefs. That's NOT the way Christians, or Religious folk, are to act. If you don't like it, then tune out. Is this not still a FREE country? Give me a break with all these weird blogs coming through the Monastery. Everything seems to be a trigger, and many people are so easily offended over the most silly things. Grow up!
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ether_ore
Robert,
I think you hit the nail on the head about the blogs/news items that are chosen to show up here. The Monastery is a business and something of a social network as much as anything, and keeping members stirred up drives exposure, engagement, and probably sales as a result.
I come here, like everyone else, from time to time to see what people are saying, but I really don’t know why. The level of discourse here is no more elevated in nature than what you can probably find on X or even Truth Social. It seems like it’s mostly trolls and flame wars in my experience.
I feel that if The Monastery were really primarily focused on encouraging a multi-faith community, the types of content they would provide would be more around the good things that all faiths (and non faiths) are doing in the world. Encouraging us all to be a little light in the world, to help each other be BETTER, whatever that looks like.
But then…that doesn’t sell.
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Robert J Giammarco
Totally agree. Chaos over a bible.....This is so ridiculous. Thank you.
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Rev. BH
No "chaos" Robert (et al.), only discussion, pro and con. Relax. The whole world will never agree with you or me.
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Robert J Giammarco
Rev BH, its total chaos over a bible. Dont you hsave some surmonds to write? Who really cares whois promoting a bible. DON;T WE ALL
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ServantOfJudgement
I don't really mind people selling Bibles however they can get the word out is the important thing(within reason).
Non Christians have poor footing when critiquing what might be wrong with the concept of personalized bibles for sale.
They'll site greed because that's the level of their understanding and that's the environment we all live in. Surface level thinking is about as deep as they can go with the bible and they don't know that's as far as they can go.
This may be the man's best idea to get the word out. God may praise him for it. I don't know. If someone buys one and turns to God because of it then what else could be said?
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ether_ore
Sorry, but it rings hollow when someone who includes as many generalizations in such a short comment as you have here bemoans OTHER people’s “surface level thinking.”
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ServantOfJudgement
Well etherOr, just set back and enjoy all the non Christian comments that roll in. See how many site greed as the reason for the man selling the constitution bible.
That's not generalization friend, that's knowing who and what you're dealing with.
As I said, surface level and they don't know why. Sorry about that.
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I mean… this site sells bibles. Actually, I’ve never seen a Bible out there free of charge. I have many versions. ESV, CSB, NASB. Etc. I’ve paid $10 to $200 for my bibles. Guess what? Most are the same yet very different. I have 2 “pastors” bibles. They have additional sections for pastors. They have funeral services, marriages, tips for writing sermons, etc. To those that are “purists” and say there shouldn’t be anything added to the text, what’s the difference? I also have the Bible that’s the subject of this topic. It’s in the KJV translation and all the way at the back of the book are the founding documents. There’s nothing in there that alters the text of the King James translation.