President Trump reportedly told evangelical leaders at the White House on Monday that Republican losses in this year’s midterms will lead to liberals “violently” overturning his administration’s accomplishments for the Christian community.
“This Nov. 6 election is very much a referendum on not only me, it’s a referendum on your religion, it’s a referendum on free speech and the First Amendment,” Trump said during a private portion of an event in the State Dining Room, according to recorded excerpts obtained by NBC News.
He added that there is an “unbelievable” amount of hatred and anger “for you and for me and for my family,” partly because of what he’s accomplished.
{mosads}If the GOP loses control of Congress, he warned, “they will overturn everything that we’ve done and they’ll do it quickly and violently, and violently.” It’s unclear who specifically Trump was referring to.
“There’s violence. When you look at Antifa and you look at some of these groups — these are violent people,” he said.
Trump and other Republicans have frequently tried to connect liberals to the far-left group of anti-fascists known as Antifa, which has been responsible for violence and escalated tensions at various rallies around the country.
Republicans are hoping to stave off Democratic efforts to retake control of the House and Senate. A RealClearPolitics average of polls shows Democrats with a nearly 7-point advantage on the generic ballot.
Trump noted his administration’s efforts to protect religious freedom and to promote prison reform, and touted the economy’s performance during remarks that were open to the press. He also acknowledged Sunday’s shooting in Jacksonville, Fla., and the death of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).