Trump Advocates for Ten Commandments in Schools at Evangelical Conference
Delivering a powerful address at an evangelical Christian conference on Saturday, Jun 22, former President Donald Trump expressed his support for displaying the Ten Commandments in schools and other public places. His comments during the Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering attracted a cheering crowd and were in line with new legislation signed in Louisiana this past week.
Trump’s Passionate Support for Ten Commandments in Public Spaces
During his speech, Trump endorsed the freshly-minted law in Louisiana, requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. He further expressed his appreciation of the religious monument on his social media, saying, “I LOVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND MANY OTHER PLACES, FOR THAT MATTER.” The assumed Republican presidential nominee is hoping to energize his supporters on the religious right through this advocacy.
Trump’s Appeal to Christian Voters
Trump urged the evangelical attendees to participate in the 2024 election and not merely be spectators: “Go and vote, Christians, please!” His distinguished support of the religious right is significant, considering the strong backing he has consistently enjoyed from this group despite his past controversial personal life and legal trouble.
Trump’s Stance on Abortion Rights
Despite Trump’s failure to commit to a nationwide ban on abortion, a topic discordant with the evangelical movement’s viewpoints, he is perceived as a hero for the cause. This view is mainly due to his role in appointing U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned national abortion rights in 2022. He deflected the abortion issue to the state level in his conference speech, saying, “Every voter has to go with your heart and do what’s right, but we also have to get elected.”
Last year, when addressing the same group, Trump acknowledged that the federal government has a critical role in protecting unborn life, although he refrained from discussing this in detail. More recently, he has voiced his belief that the issue should be left to the states. However, he hasn’t clarified his stance on women’s access to the abortion pill, mifepristone.
Trump’s Faithful Supporters
Despite the evangelicals’ desire for a national abortion ban and more proactive anti-abortion moves from Trump, his supporters have remained loyal. Many, like Jerri Dickinson, understand that, according to the Constitution, the decision should rest with the states. However, they would prefer a national ban on abortion.
Trump Takes on Major Issues
During his speech, Trump illustrated Christianity as threatened by what he perceives as an erosion of freedom, law, and national borders. The migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border was a recurring theme in his talk. He cleverly used humor to lighten the atmosphere when discussing this issue, suggesting that Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White should create a migrant league.
Trump’s Rambunctious Address Meets with Criticism
President Biden’s campaign commented on Trump’s speech, stating that his chaotic language proved him to be a threat to freedom and an unfit candidate for reoccupying the White House. They argued that it was ironic of Trump, a convicted felon, to address a religious conference and threaten immigration while boasting about curbing American freedoms.
Trump concluded his day by holding an evening rally in Philadelphia. His evident desire to rally his evangelical Christian base underlines the vital role these voters will play in the 2024 election.
