Former President Donald J. Trump spoke at the evangelical Faith & Freedom Coalition in Washington, positioning himself as a defender of religious freedom and a martyr for American believers while condemning what he characterized as widespread persecution of Christians.
Mr. Trump also depicted himself as a target due to his legal challenges, insinuating that he was being singled out for his political views.
“Ultimately, they’re not coming after me, they’re coming after you,” Mr. Trump declared. “I proudly stand in their way.”
To thunderous applause, he added, “We need Christian voters to show up in record numbers and tell Crooked Joe Biden ‘you’re fired!’”
Mr. Trump’s outreach to evangelicals comes at a pivotal moment in the presidential race. President Biden and Mr. Trump are set to debate on CNN this Thursday, with polls indicating a close contest. FiveThirtyEight’s national poll average shows Mr. Biden slightly ahead for the first time, while the election forecast suggests a virtual toss-up.
Mr. Biden headed to Camp David to prepare for the debate, accompanied by Ron Klain, his former chief of staff, who temporarily stepped away from his post-White House role to assist in debate preparations along with other key advisors.
This appearance marked a triumphant return for the former president, now the presumed Republican presidential nominee, at the event. Thirteen years ago, Mr. Trump was not seen as a champion of social conservatism. However, in his ninth appearance before the group, he endorsed numerous culture war issues embraced by conservative and religious leaders and outlined his vision for the Christian right in a potential second term.
He voiced support for Louisiana’s new law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, questioning opposition to the religious text in schools and emphasizing that religious rights extend beyond the school doors.
He also pledged to eliminate the federal Department of Education if elected, prompting a standing ovation from attendees who chanted “vote, vote, vote.”
Mr. Trump reiterated his false claims of election fraud and painted a picture of the Biden administration persecuting Christians for their beliefs. He proposed establishing a federal task force to combat anti-Christian discrimination nationwide if elected.
While Mr. Trump’s fiery rhetoric resonated with the Christian right, some criticized his stance on abortion. Allies urged him to support a national abortion ban or criminalize abortion pills under the Comstock Act, but Mr. Trump urged supporters to prioritize winning the election over pursuing stricter measures.
Following his address to the Faith & Freedom Coalition, Michael Whatley, a key ally of Mr. Trump and head of the Republican National Committee, backed Mr. Trump’s position against a national abortion ban.
“We fought for over 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade,” Mr. Whatley told reporters, emphasizing the need for individual states to address the issue.
Donald Eason, a senior minister who attended the conference, supported leaving abortion policy to the states. He suggested that while the Supreme Court should not have intervened in the issue, Congress could potentially enact a national ban.
Mr. Eason also endorsed Louisiana’s law on displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools, proposing its expansion to other states.
When Mr. Trump addressed the Faith & Freedom Coalition last year, he was just one of several Republican candidates vying for evangelical support. Now, having solidified control over the Republican Party, his former rivals have stepped aside, with potential running mates like Representative Elise Stefanik, Tulsi Gabbard, Gov. Kristi Noem, and Ben Carson in contention.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, who considered a presidential run but chose not to challenge Mr. Trump for the nomination, was given a prominent platform at the conference before Mr. Trump’s address.
