WATCH: Trump speaks at Faith and Freedom Coalition policy conference
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-26 12:23:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Makes Series of Controversial Claims and Attacks at Faith and Freedom Coalition Event
At the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual conference, President Donald Trump delivered a speech filled with sweeping claims about religion in America, attacks on political opponents, and dire warnings about policy changes in New York City.
Claims About Religion and His Presidency
Trump asserted that under his leadership, “religion is back in our country, bigger and stronger than it has been in many, many years.” He referenced unspecified reports suggesting an increase in religious practice and credited his administration with establishing a White House Faith Office, ending what he described as government persecution of Christians, and “restoring Christmas.” Trump insisted that none of these developments would have occurred if Democrats had won the 2016 or 2024 elections, characterizing President Joe Biden’s administration as “so bad” and “so evil.” Notably, Biden is a practicing Catholic who regularly attended Mass while in office, while Trump does not regularly attend religious services.
Attacks on Political Opponents
During his remarks, Trump targeted Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for opposing his SAVE America Act, which would create stricter ID standards for voters. “We have a few Republicans that are fighting it — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska,” Trump said. “You should call her and tell her to get on the ball. She’ll never win another election. I can tell you.” Murkowski has argued that the bill could undermine state oversight of elections and potentially disenfranchise legitimate voters.
Trump also disparaged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s efforts to make rent more affordable, claiming, “These buildings will soon turn into ghettos and slums,” and arguing that the policy would turn the city “third world.” He was referring to a citywide rent freeze for certain lease renewals, a move affecting nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments. Trump warned that similar left-wing policies could spread beyond New York, describing recent election winners as “hardcore, godless communists” rather than “social democrats.”
Comments on International Incidents
Addressing a recent drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which he blamed on Iran, Trump said, “We knocked down three of them. One of them, I guess — we didn’t miss it. Nobody saw it coming.” He called the strike a violation of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States and claimed Iran still has “some capability, not much.”
Conclusion
Trump’s speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition event showcased his characteristic blend of self-congratulation, attacks on political opponents, and dire predictions about his rivals’ policies. His remarks included several unsubstantiated claims about the state of religion in America and the effects of Democratic policies, as well as personal attacks on both Republican and Democratic officials. As the political landscape continues to shift, Trump’s rhetoric remains a focal point for both his supporters and critics.