Speaking at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Trump drew parallels between the left's actions and those of past communist and fascist regimes.
"Every communist regime throughout history has tried to stamp out the churches, just like every fascist regime has tried to co-opt them and control them. And, in America, the radical left is trying to do both," Trump declared to the enthusiastic crowd. He further added, "They want to tear down crosses where they can, and cover them up with social justice flags. But no one will be touching the cross of Christ under the Trump administration, I swear to you."
Trump's promise to safeguard Christian symbols echoes his recent assurance to the National Rifle Association that their firearms would remain untouched. This comes as leading conservatives increasingly urge Trump to center his potential second term around Christian values.
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In the Republican primary, Trump is favored over his remaining competitor, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley. The Christian media gathering, where attendees received complimentary "Make America Pray Again" baseball caps, was a supportive environment for Trump. His speech, filled with rallying cries, was well-received by the crowd.
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"The left is trying to shame Christians," Trump stated. "They’re trying to shame us. I’m a very proud Christian."
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Trump's address was punctuated by standing ovations as he highlighted his anti-abortion stance, including his appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning the Roe v. Wade decision. However, he did not comment on the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling that has led to a pause in in vitro fertilization procedures in the state, following the court's decision to consider frozen embryos as children under state law.
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President Joe Biden's reelection campaign issued a statement on the matter, drawing attention to Trump's silence on the "Alabama IVF ruling he is responsible for."
Trump used his platform to boast about his first term achievements, claiming to have done "more to uphold religious freedom than any administration in history." He expressed confidence about the upcoming election, stating, "The enthusiasm for this election coming up in November is far greater than it was in 2016 or 2020."
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Tennessee's primary is scheduled for Super Tuesday, March 5, a day that could potentially bring Trump closer to securing the Republican nomination.
Despite initial hesitations from religious leaders regarding Trump's multiple divorces when he first ran for president in 2016, they now form a significant part of his "Make America Great Again" base. This support remains steadfast despite recent controversies, including Trump's indictment in New York over hush money payments made to suppress an extramarital affair.
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Troy Miller, president and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, said, "When he came onto the scene, people were skeptical. But I think, as they’ve learned more and listened to Donald Trump speak, the one thing I hear all the time from people … is that they really feel like Donald Trump understands them and that’s the biggest connection that people make is, ‘This is a guy in politics who gets us, who understands us, who doesn’t talk like he’s an elitist and talk down to us.’”
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