He’s making a bold claim.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a pre-recorded message to Christian conservatives on Monday, expressing optimism about their influence in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Speaking at the Danbury Institute’s Life & Liberty Forum during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, Trump assured attendees that they would see a resurgence if he wins the presidency.
In his nearly two-minute address, Trump thanked the audience for their strong support, emphasizing his administration’s accomplishments and the importance of defending religious freedoms and American values. He urged Christians not to vote for Democrats, whom he accused of being hostile to religion, specifically targeting their stance on religious liberty, free speech, and the sanctity of life.
“We have to defend religious liberty, free speech, innocent life, and the heritage and tradition that built America into the greatest nation in the history of the world,” Trump asserted, urging his supporters to mobilize and vote in the upcoming election.
Trump highlighted the significance of the Life & Liberty Forum and its mission to uphold a Christian worldview amidst societal shifts, including what the organization sees as threats such as the sexualization of children and the erosion of religious liberties. The forum, launched earlier this year, aims to promote truth and virtue in a culture that it believes undermines traditional values.
Regarding abortion, Trump acknowledged the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 but faced criticism from some pro-life groups for his stance on leaving abortion laws to the states rather than advocating for federal restrictions.
Trump also criticized what he described as efforts to promote transgender issues among young people, emphasizing his commitment to traditional views on gender and pledging legislative action against what he termed as “child sexual mutilation.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Trump expressed confidence, citing polling data that shows a narrow lead over President Biden in head-to-head matchups. He emphasized the importance of mobilizing Christian voters and maintaining their support to secure victory in November.
The Danbury Institute, which hosted the event, represents a coalition of churches and Christian organizations committed to defending conservative values in American society, making it a key platform for Trump’s message to Christian conservatives as he prepares for his campaign.
