Famed evangelist Franklin Graham said during a press conference that he was staying out of the Republican Party’s primaries after he previously backed former President Donald Trump.
Graham made the remarks while speaking at a ribbon-cutting event with former Vice President Mike Pence this week at the new Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“I’m not a Republican, I’m an Independent. I’ve been an Independent probably for about 20 years,” said 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 said that he is disturbed not only by the division in politics but the “hatred” in the country as well. He proclaimed that “the only hope for this nation is God and to turn to him.”
When asked about his reaction to former President Donald Trump announcing another bid for the White House, Graham laughed and said he is staying out of it.
“I’m staying out of the Republican primary and debate and that sort of thing,” he responded, adding that he is focusing on God and preaching the gospel. Graham noted that he appreciated former Vice President Mike Pence’s service to the nation. “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.”
Following the 2020 presidential election, Graham said that he was grateful that God gave the U.S. a president who delivered numerous wins for 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,” Graham said. “May God bless him, Melania, and their family, as God leads him to the next chapter in his life.”
He also said that he was grateful for Pence for bringing his faith to the White House.
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