Franklin Graham Urges President Trump to Elevate His Speech: A Call for Leadership and Responsibility
Evangelist Franklin Graham, son of the late renowned evangelist Billy Graham, has publicly admonished U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from using foul language during his speeches. During a rally in Philadelphia last June, President Trump acknowledged Graham’s advice, quoting him as saying, “Mr. President, I love your speaking. Your ability to speak is incredible. Your storytelling is great, but it could be so much better if you didn’t use foul language.” However, the president dismissed the evangelist’s assessment, asserting that Graham’s concerns were misplaced. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between Trump’s unfiltered communication style and the expectations of moral leadership held by many of his supporters, including prominent Christian figures like Graham.
In a recent interview with Deseret News, Jennifer Graham, who is unrelated to Franklin Graham, discussed a letter sent to the president urging him to reconsider his language. Franklin Graham emphasized the timeless biblical warning against careless speech, citing Matthew 12:36, which states, “I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak.” He stressed the global influence of the U.S. presidency, noting, “The president, his pulpit and his microphone is huge, and it carries a lot of weight. He’s not just the president of this country. He is a world figure that other nations, other presidents, other people look up to and want to emulate.” Graham’s plea underscores the importance of setting a higher standard in public discourse, reflecting the values of integrity and respect that resonate far beyond political arenas.
