In the least-surprising move of the week so far, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. endorsed Tuesday his longtime friend, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump.
“I am proud to offer my endorsement of Donald J. Trump for President of the United States. He is a successful executive and entrepreneur, a wonderful father and a man who I believe can lead our country to greatness again.”
Falwell, who has been under fire for inviting Trump to speak at a recent Liberty University Convocation, allowed his introduction of Trump at that speech to be used in a recent radio ad now playing in Iowa. In it, he said, “Dad explained that when he walked into the voting booth, he wasn’t electing a Sunday school teacher, or a pastor, or even a President who shared his theological beliefs. He was electing a President of the United States to lead a nation,” referencing his father, Liberty University and Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell Sr.
Under Falwell Jr.’s leadership, Liberty University has grown to become the largest, private, non-profit university in the nation, the largest university in Virginia and the largest Christian university in the world. Its net assets have grown from $100 million in 2007 to more than $1.6 billion today.
“It is truly an honor to receive Jerry’s endorsement,” Trump said. “Not only is he a high-quality person, with a wonderful family, whom I have great respect for—I also consider him a very good friend and his support means so much to me.”
