Trump Kicks Off 'Evangelicals For Trump' Coalition During Miami Event
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - President Donald Trump has officially launched "Evangelicals for Trump". It's a new coalition to help rally evangelicals to support his re-election campaign.
"Just look at the record because we've done things that nobody thought was possible. Together we are not only defending our constitutional rights, but we are also defending religion itself," the president said.
President Trump kicked off the new coalition at King Jesus International Ministry in West Kendall near the Miami Executive Airport.
The president told the crowd his values are aligned with them and his choices for federal judges have similar values.
The speech opened up with several church leaders praying around the president. After, Trump addressed the tensions with Iran after an Iranian general was killed in a US drone strike.
"He was plotting attacks against Americans but now we've assured that his atrocities have been stopped for good. They are stopped for good," Trump said. "He was planning a very major attack and we got him."
A non-profit group has asked the IRS to investigate the megachurch claiming it may be violating non-partisan rules by holding a rally. The pastor tried to ease concerns.
"While we advocate for issues that we care about deeply, such as family and respect for life, we do not take positions in political campaigns," Pastor Guillermo Maldonado said.
Last month, a popular evangelical magazine called for Trump's removal after learning details from the Impeachment investigation.
"He's done a great job the last three years and we want another four years of this president," Trump Supporter Evelio Melina said.
There was a protestor near the church who wanted to make his voice heard.
"I don't like the way he talks to women. I don't like the way he talks to people. If he can lie, and these people believe you, that's sad," Xavier Presley said.
This coalition is the first of several in an effort to unite religious groups around the President.
"There will be other religious-oriented coalitions coming up as well, juices voices, Catholics for trump," Campaign Spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
