'Hand of Providence': 7 top moments in Trump's State of the Union address marking nation's 250th anniversary
6. Trump cheers surge in religion, awards National Guard soldiers a Purple Heart
Trump also talked about a religious resurgence in the U.S. during his speech: “I’m very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years and in particular, this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God.”
As he indicated that “This is especially true among young people,” he credited the influence of the late conservative influencer Charlie Kirk for young people’s renewed interest in religion.
After mentioning how Kirk was assassinated in a politically motivated attack last year, Trump pointed out that his widow, Erika Kirk, was present in the House Gallery. Chants of “Charlie” erupted in the chamber.
“In Charlie’s memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind. We love religion, and we love bringing it back, and it’s coming back at levels that nobody actually thought possible.”
Trump also acknowledged additional guests present in the House Gallery: the parents of slain National Guard Sarah Beckstrom, along with injured National Guard member Andrew Wolfe and his mother. Beckstrom was killed and Wolfe was injured in a targeted attack on National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., the day before Thanksgiving.
Although Wolfe’s prognosis was poor, his mother prayerfully insisted that her son would emerge from his injuries. “With God’s help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death,” Trump concluded. Wolfe, who was present in the House Gallery, was awarded the Purple Heart along with Beckstrom’s parents, who accepted the award on her behalf.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
