Donald Trump secures backing of evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr.
Mr Falwell Jr. calls Mr Trump a ’successful executive and entrepreneur’ and a 'wonderful father'
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.Republican candidate Donald Trump has secured the vote of evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr, despite fluffing his biblical references last week.
Mr Falwell, whose Liberty University Mr Trump spoke at this month, said in a statement that Mr Trump is a “successful executive and entrepreneur, a wonderful father and a man who I believe can lead our country to greatness again”.
The University President's father, Jerry Lamon Falwell Sr., was a Southern Baptist pastor who was known for his stance against homosexuality.
The statement - which has been reported on but not yet officially released - comes as Mr Trump and Ted Cruz are battling in Iowa for the support of social conservatives, according to Washington Post.
Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday about his “honour” to be endorsed by Mr Falwell.
Mr Trump was laughed at on 18 January for misquoting Biblical passage “Two Corinthians”, which should have been “Second Corinthians”, as he was stating how he would “protect Christianity”.
Mr Falwell’s backing also comes one week after Mr Trump was publicly endorsed by evangelical former politician Sarah Palin, who said Mr Trump would ensure that the US “kick ISIS’ ass”.
Mr Falwell thanked the Republican candidate in 2012 for “single-handedly” forcing President Obama to release his birth certificate and prove his citizenship, according to The Daily Beast.
Liberty University in Virginia is an important venue for Republican candidates to win over evangelical Christian voters. Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush and Ben Carson all spoke at the University in 2015.
The University claims it has been “training champions for Christ” since 1971.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments