- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 18, 2024

Evangelist Franklin Graham told Republican delegates Thursday that it was God who spared former President Donald Trump’s life from an assassin’s bullet last weekend.

Mr. Graham also pronounced the U.S. “in trouble” and said the country needs God.

“Last Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Trump had a near-death experience. No question. But God spared his life,” said Mr. Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and son of the late famed preacher.

He then lead the convention in a prayer for Mr. Trump, asking God to “protect him from his enemies.”

The speech was the capstone of a convention that has turned Mr. Trump into a near-messianic figure among Republicans — a sentiment that was growing even before the would-be assassin just missed taking his life.

Speakers from the stage have said God was showing he still has big plans for Mr. Trump.

On the convention floor, many delegates also said they saw divine intervention in the president’s escape from death.

“Thank you for saving the life of President Donald J. Trump,” Mr. Graham said in his prayer.

Mr. Graham said he was speaking as a private citizen. He has long been a supporter of Mr. Trump.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.

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