Exodus 18:21
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Christians infected by C_N (there are many) already say things like "you're worshiping Trump as your savior rather than turning to Jesus". A "false idol." This does look like a maneuver intended to reinforce that idea.
Brand is an entertaining theosophist. Sleight of hand: look here, not here.