Donald Trump says 'we are now under siege' amid Comey drama
'We know how to fight and we will never give up' the president tells supporters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As his former FBI director dropped damning information on him at a highly publicised Senate hearing, President Donald Trump told his supporters they were under attack.
“We are now under siege,” Mr Trump told the audience at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's annual forum. “But we will come out bigger and better and stronger than ever.”
It was the president's first public statement since former FBI Director James Comey told senators that the White House had defamed him, lied about him, and ordered him to drop an investigation. If Democrats have their way, the revelations could prove obstruction of justice by the president.
The White House strongly defended the president earlier in the day, saying decisively: “The president is not a liar”.
“It’s frankly insulting that that question would be asked,” Deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
Mr Trump, addressing the conservative Christian convention on in Washington on Thursday afternoon, vowed to fight against resistance to his administration.
"We will not back down from doing what is right ... We know how to fight and we will never give up," he said.
Despite his ominous statements, Mr Trump brought good news to the conference, telling them how he had reinstated the Mexico City policy, pulled out of the Paris climate accord, and vowed to repeal the Johnson Amendment. All three policies are popular with his evangelical base.
The president also returned to some of his favourite talking points, condemning “radical Islamic terror” and claiming Obamacare is in a “death spiral”. He assured attendees the Republicans were “working hard” on a healthcare alternative.
“You picked a winner,” he told the crowd.
This was the fifth visit to the conference for Mr Trump, who regularly infuses religious messages in his speeches but has rarely attended church as president.
“As long as our country remains true to its values, loyal to its citizens, and devoted to its creator, then our best days are yet to come,” he said. “Because we will make America great again.”
The coalition expects more than 1,500 attendees at their annual convention. Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy will also speak.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments