fEvangelist leader Franklin Graham said he is an outspoken supporter of President Trump because he defends the Christian faith.
“Now people say ‘Well Frank but how can you defend him, when he’s lived such a sordid life?’ ” Graham said on “Axios on HBO,” appearing to reference things such as the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against the president.
{mosads}Trump has repeatedly denied any inappropriate conduct.
“I never said he was the best example of the Christian faith. He defends the faith. And I appreciate that very much.”
Axios notes that later in the interview Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, doubled down on his defense of Trump despite his treatment of women.
“Trump has admitted his faults and has apologized to his wife and his daughter for things he has done and said,” he said. “And he has to stand before God for those things.”
Graham has been a vocal supporter of the president throughout his time in office. He went on a 10-rally tour in California this summer and encouraged Christians to vote in an effort to combat progressive policy in the state.
He said in January that he believed Trump was a “changed person” since assuming office.
The comment came after reports surfaced that Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, arranged a $130,000 payment for adult-film star Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair with the president.
“I believe that he’s a changed person and I’ve never seen anybody get attacked like he gets attacked,” Graham said. “These alleged affairs, they’re alleged with Trump, didn’t happen while he was in office.”