Politics & Government
Trump Speaks At March For Life, Calls It A 'Profound Honor'
The president attended the 47th annual anti-abortion rally in DC Friday. See video of his full speech.
WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump spoke at the March for Life in DC Friday, calling it a “profound honor" to be the first president to attend the annual anti-abortion gathering.
He used his speech to attack Democrats as embracing “radical and extreme positions" on abortion and praised those attending the event, saying they were motivated by “pure, unselfish love." He also recited actions he's taken as president that were sought by social conservatives, including the confirmation of 187 federal judges.
“Unborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House," he declared.
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watch Trump's full speech below:
Trump announced on Twitter Wednesday that he would attend the rally, the latest nod to the white evangelical voters who have proven to be among his most loyal backers. And it makes clear that, as he tries to stitch together a winning coalition for reelection, Trump is counting on the support of his base of conservative activists to help bring him across the finish line.
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I think it’s a brilliant move," said Ralph Reed, chair of the Faith and Freedom Coalition and one of Trump's most prominent evangelical supporters. Reed said the president's appearance would “energize and remind pro-life voters what a great friend this president and administration has been.”
Just four years ago, a political committee supporting one of Donald Trump's Republican rivals released an ad slamming his views on abortion, complete with footage from a 1999 interview in which he declared, “I am pro-choice in every respect."
Today, a White House spokesman said Trump has done more for the pro-life community than any other president.
"So it is fitting that he would be the first president in history to attend the March for Life on the National Mall," said White House spokesman Judd Deere.
The National March for Life Rally kicked off at noon on 12th Street on the National Mall. Immediately following the rally, attendees marched up Constitution Avenue. After the march, Silent No More testimonies were given outside the U.S. Supreme Court. The march is expected to go until 4 p.m.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
WATCH LIVE:
RELATED:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
