President Donald Trump will deliver Liberty University's commencement address on May 13, returning to the college that gave him a boost in the evangelical community.
Trump visited the school in Lynchburg, Virginia during his campaign last year. It bills itself as the largest Christian university in the world and its president, Jerry Falwell Jr., was one of Trump's most vocal supporters among evangelicals, noted Politico.
"I look forward to speaking to this amazing group of students on such a momentous occasion," Trump said in an exclusive interview with CBN News. "Our children truly are the future and I look forward to celebrating the success of this graduating class as well as sharing lessons as they embark on their next chapter full of hope, faith, optimism, and a passion for life."
Falwell voiced his continued support for Trump and his administration with CBN.
"His supporters, including over 80 percent of the evangelical community, are thrilled with President Trump's actions so far," said Falwell. "The fact that the mainstream media and the establishment (on the left and the right) remain in attack mode with their often baseless and dishonest claims against Trump is a sign that President Trump is doing a wonderful job."
In October, a group of Liberty students protested against Trump, noted Time magazine.
"Associating any politician with Christianity is damaging to the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Liberty United Against Trump said in a statement. "But Donald Trump is not just any politician. He has made his name by maligning others and bragging about his sins. Not only is Donald Trump a bad candidate for president, he is actively promoting the very things that we as Christians ought to oppose."
Dustin Wahl, who founded Liberty United Against Trump, said he was disappointed in the news that Trump will speak there again, said Time.
"A bunch of us have talked about it, kind of whispered about the chance of him giving the commencement here," Wahl said. "I kind of figured at some point in the next four years he would, because where else would Donald Trump be able to give a commencement and not be met with a great deal of scrutiny?"
Many on social media were pleased with the announcement.