Franklin Graham thinks Donald Trump is ‘one of the greatest presidents in history’. He couldn’t be more wrong
Franklin Graham speaks at the Republican National Convention on 27 August, 2020. (Getty/ Drew Angerer)
It looks like Franklin Graham has finally accepted Trump’s election defeat as he gave thanks for a man he vowed “will go down in history as one of the great presidents”.
The anti-LGBT+ evangelical leader posted a lengthy statement on Facebook after the electoral college cast their ballots for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, securing their victory once and for all.
Responding to those who asked if he is “disappointed” with the election, Graham replied he was “grateful to God” for giving him a president who protected religious liberties, who supposedly “recognised the importance of prayer” and brought back the greeting “Merry Christmas”.
“[I am] grateful for a president who nominated conservative judges to the Supreme Court and to our federal courts,” he said.
“Grateful for a president who stood against “the swamp” and the corruption in Washington; grateful for a president who supported law and order and defended our police.”
He concluded: “President Trump will go down in history as one of the great presidents of our nation, bringing peace and prosperity to millions here in the US and around the world.
“May God bless him, Melania, and their family, as God leads him to the next chapter in his life.”
It’s certainly true that Trump will go down in history, but it’s unlikely future generations will agree with the positive light Franklin Graham is attempting to cast on his legacy.
They will, however, remember his shocking anti-LGBT+ record with at least 180 attacks on the LGBT+ community, which presumably was a major plus point for the homophobic pastor.
And the “peace and prosperity” he boasts of certainly wasn’t seen by the many thousands who marched in protest against police brutality this year, nor by those in countries whose human rights abuses Trump wilfully ignored.
But many of Franklin Graham’s followers were unwilling to accept that this reign of terror was over, and some directly opposed the pastor for accepting Trump’s defeat.
“This sounds like a consolation letter. No thanks. It’s not over!” one replied. “We believe finally victory in GOD”.
“It’s not over! I’m thank[ing] God for the miracle he is about to perform!” added another. They may be waiting some time.
