Franklin Graham, a well-known evangelist, stated as part of a press conference that he was going to make sure to steer clear of the Primaries of the Republican Party after he previously chose to stand behind former President Donald Trump.
Graham issued the statements while speaking at a recent ribbon-cutting event with former Vice President Mike Pence this past week in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Billy Graham Library.
“I’m not a Republican, I’m an Independent. I’ve been an Independent probably for about 20 years,” stated Graham. “I’m just disappointed in politics in America. When you think of the divisions that we have. We need to be coming together to try to solve the problems that we face as a nation.”
Graham stated that he is worried not only by the extreme division apparent in politics but the “hatred” throughout the country as well. He exclaimed that “the only hope for this nation is God and to turn to him.”
When questioned about his reaction to former President Donald Trump openly announcing yet another bid for a run a the White House, Graham chuckled and stated that he plans to stay out of it.
“I’m staying out of the Republican primary and debate and that sort of thing,” he answered, going further that he is going to be focusing on God and just preaching the gospel. Graham highlighted that he appreciated the service to the nation carried out by former Vice President Mike Pence. “There are a number of Republicans that have great leadership abilities, but Vice President Mike Pence has served this nation and he’s served it well. And I hope that his role in serving this nation is not finished.”
In the wake of the presidential elections held in 2020, Graham expressly stated that he was very grateful that God gave a president to the United States that was able to deliver numerous wins for large swathes of the conservative movement.
“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 U.S. and around the world,” exclaimed Graham. “May God bless him, Melania, and their family, as God leads him to the next chapter in his life.”
Graham also spoke out to say the he was overly grateful for Pence because of how he was able to bring his faith back to the White House.
