Turkey’s release of American pastor Andrew Brunson was a testament not only to President Donald Trump’s strength but even more so to his heart and character, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. wrote in an opinion piece for Fox News.
Brunson was arrested and accused of plotting to overthrow the Turkish government two years ago, and was moved to house arrest in July following pressure from the Trump administration.
Trump could have easily sacrificed Brunson at any point, in order to maintain good relations with Turkey, which is a NATO ally, and “previous American presidents… would have quickly caved to Turkey, given the geopolitical realities of the situation,” Falwell wrote.
But for Trump, Turkey transferring Brunson to a better situation wasn't enough.
Trump imposed economic sanctions on Turkey after Ankara refused to heed stern warnings and allow Brunson to return to the U.S.
By taking these actions, Falwell wrote, the president has once again displayed his moral fortitude and shown that he isn’t just a strong and tough leader but a good and moral person.
“The mainstream media still take every possible opportunity to paint President Trump as egotistical and uncaring, but his positive, heartfelt actions speak far louder than their negative, heartless words,” Falwell insisted.
Falwell wrote that he is often asked “how an evangelical Christian can support a man like President Trump. The answer is simple. I learned long ago to judge people – especially politicians – by their actions and not their words.”
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