Liberty University president and evangelical Jerry Falwell Jr. is endorsing Donald Trump for the next president, which came did not come as a surprise to many, as Falwell has reportedly spoken highly of Trump over the past weeks.
"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 said in a statement, the Trump campaign.
Last week, Falwell had said that Liberty's status was that of a non-profit organization, and that he will not be endorsing any political candidate. He explained that his endorsement was personal and not "on behalf of the university."
Falwell has often compared Trump to his late father, who was the founder of Liberty University and a famous preacher, such as when he introduced Trump to a crowd of 9,000 students before he came onto stage.
"I see a lot of parallels between my father and Donald Trump," he said on stage. "Like Mr. Trump, Dad would speak his mind. ... 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."
"He may not be a theological expert and he might say two Corinthians instead of second Corinthians, but when you look at the fruits of his life and all the people he's provided jobs, I think that's the true test of somebody's Christianity not whether or not they use the right theological terms," Falwell said on Hannity & Colmes.
He also said that both Trump and his father were politically incorrect and would say anything that was on their minds, but were always willing to help others, especially behind the scenes when no one was looking.
The school president narrated stories that showed Trump's generous side, which the Trump campaign has never highlighted. Falwell said that Trump has always helped other people in his private life.
Liberty University is the world's largest Christian university with over 14,000 students on campus and another 66,000 online enrollments. Students are required to follow a strict code of conduct including abstaining from alcohol, sex outside of marriage.
Trump released a statement calling the endorsement an "honor."
"It is truly an honor to receive Jerry's endorsement," he 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."
