Franklin Graham says he 'misspoke' when he told CPAC to 'do everything we can' to get Trump 'reelected'

By Ian M. Giatti, Christian Post Reporter Friday, March 27, 2026

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Evangelist Franklin Graham says he misspoke when he told attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday that “it's important that we do everything that we can” to get President Donald Trump “reelected" despite the president being term-limited.  

Graham, 73, opened Thursday’s lineup with his main stage address at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Near the end of his remarks, Graham expressed personal affection for the president while acknowledging his imperfections.

"God loves you. He loves this country. And I love Donald Trump. Is he perfect? No. But I love that guy. I love him,” he said. “And we'll only have one chance at this. We'll never get another president like Donald Trump. Never."

Graham then suggested that CPAC voters make every effort to “get him reelected,” even though Trump, who is serving his second term as president, is barred by the U.S. Constitution from being elected as President more than twice.  

“That's why it's important that we do everything that we can to try to get him reelected,” said Graham. “He stands not only for religious freedom. He stands up for Christians like no president we've ever had. And he's not afraid. He's not ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ. Other people are ashamed. He's not ashamed. And I just appreciate that so much about him.”

A spokesman for Graham told The Christian Post on Friday that immediately after he finished his speech Thursday, Graham “confirmed that he intended to say the president’s policies should be reelected — not that the president should be reelected." 

"It was a privilege to speak at CPAC,” Graham said in a statement. “Early in my remarks, I made the point that 'President Trump is not on the ballot, but his policies are.' As I closed, I meant to say that we need to reelect President Trump’s policies, but misspoke. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify any confusion."

Trump has repeatedly referenced the notion of running for a third term, which, despite its likely unconstitutionality, inspired a slew of “Trump 2028” merchandise at CPAC 2026. In a March 2025 interview, he told NBC News he was “not joking” about potentially serving a third term.

Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham and the president of Samaritan's Purse, a humanitarian nonprofit, began his remarks at CPAC by expressing appreciation for Texas and highlighting the state's energy contributions.

"I want to say thank you to Texas for being the No. 1 oil-providing state in America because of President Trump's oil policies," he said. 

The evangelist voiced confidence that the ongoing military action against Iran would not adversely impact American gas prices in the long run.

"Having the Strait of Hormuz closed isn't going to shut off our pumps. We're oil independent,” he said. “And we thank God for that. We thank God for those policies."

Graham described the current moment as critical, stating that the U.S. is "at war with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” distinguishing the regime from the Iranian people, whom he called "wonderful people." He criticized the Iranian government for its treatment of its citizens and referenced the 1979 hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy.

Positioning himself politically, Graham said, "I'm not a Republican. I'm not a Democrat. I got fed up with the Republican party some time ago, got fed up with the Democrats. Well, I've always been fed up with them. But I'm a conservative and most importantly, I'm a follower of Jesus Christ."

A longtime supporter of the president, Graham compared Trump’s second administration to that of a biblical figure who helped save the Jewish people.

"I believe God has raised him up for this for a time such as this, like Queen Esther," Graham declared. He credited Trump with protecting Israel, overturning Roe v. Wade through conservative judicial appointments, advancing religious freedom and securing the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from a Turkish prison in 2018 by applying economic pressure.

Turning to conservative challenges ahead of the 2026 midterms, Graham warned about political division among right-leaning voters.

"Conservatives do have a problem,” he said. “That problem is unity, or rather the lack of it at times. Sometimes it seems like we eat our own." He urged leaders to present a "united front" and to discuss differences with respect, saving attacks for political opponents.

Graham stressed the importance of electing candidates who support Trump's agenda.

"President Trump is not on the ballot, but his policies are. And we need to have a united front and go out there and win these midterms,” he said. “If we don't, we're going to be through."

He also warned that the rise of AI could mean the end of free and fair elections in the U.S.

“Some people feel that with AI it may be impossible to have fair elections in the future, and I agree with that,” he said. “I think it's going to be difficult.”

Graham pointed to the book of Revelation, which he said teaches “there will be a one world government and it will be controlled by a person called the Antichrist.”

He sharply criticized what he called the "Democrat socialist agenda," listing policies he opposes, including support for transgender ideology, men in women's sports, abortion, open borders, drug legalization, defunding the police and reducing military funding.

"I believe it's an agenda that's birthed in Hell," Graham said. "I really do because it stands against God."