Franklin Graham at CPAC in March 2026

This is a ~13–24 minute clip (full remarks appear longer) from Forbes Breaking News featuring Rev. Franklin Graham speaking at CPAC in Grapevine, Texas (uploaded March 26, 2026). Graham delivers a mix of political commentary from a Christian conservative viewpoint, praise for President Trump's leadership, warnings about cultural and geopolitical threats, and a clear gospel presentation.

Key Points:

• Personal & Introductory Remarks Graham thanks the audience and Texas, highlights U.S. energy independence under Trump-era policies, and briefly mentions his Operation Heal Our Patriots program, which helps wounded veterans and their spouses through retreats in Alaska focused on marriage strengthening.
• Geopolitical Stance He states the U.S. is "at war" with the Islamic Republic of Iran's regime (not its people), criticizing its brutality, executions, and history of hostility (e.g., 1979 embassy hostage crisis). He praises Trump's strong support for Israel (comparing it to the biblical Book of Esther) and actions against adversaries like Venezuela's Maduro, Cuba, and Mexican cartels.
• Praise for Trump Graham portrays Trump as uniquely raised by God for this moment in history. He credits him with:
  • Conservative judicial appointments that helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
  • Advancing religious freedom (e.g., a strong UN speech and pressuring Turkey to release Pastor Andrew Brunson).
  • Pushing back against secular efforts to remove "Christ" from Christmas. Graham emphasizes Trump's unashamed Christian faith.
• Call for Conservative Unity He urges conservatives to unite behind Trump's agenda (especially ahead of midterms), respect differences, and avoid infighting. He warns that the mainstream media tries to sow doubt and division within conservative ranks.
• Warning About Podcasters & Influencers A highlighted theme: Graham cautions against podcasters and social media figures who "like to cause a stir because they can profit" from views, clicks, debates, and controversy. He notes they benefit financially from division and urges wariness of those motivated more by engagement than truth or unity.
• Broader Threats
  • Democrat/Socialist Agenda: He sharply criticizes policies he sees as "birthed in hell," including eroding parental rights, promoting transgender transitions for youth, men in women's sports/locker rooms, sexualization of children, abortion, open borders, drug legalization, defund-the-police efforts, and releasing criminals while weakening the military.
  • AI and Technology: Concerns about AI manipulating elections and enabling global control, with a biblical reference to the one-world government under the Antichrist in Revelation.
  • Cultural Issues: Opposition to "woke" elements like critical race theory and attacks on traditional values.
• Gospel Message (Closing Emphasis) Graham shifts to evangelism, stressing that no political identity (conservative or otherwise) can save anyone. All people are sinners deserving death, but God sent Jesus to die, be buried, and rise again. He calls for repentance and faith in Christ for forgiveness and eternal life, noting that even dedicated conservatives could face hell without a personal relationship with Jesus.

Here are the Bible references Franklin Graham explicitly used or alluded to in his CPAC 2026 speech (based on the YouTube video and related coverage):

1. Book of Esther (specifically the phrase “for such a time as this”)

• Reference: Esther 4:14
• Context: Graham compared President Trump’s role in supporting Israel and standing against threats (like Iran) to Queen Esther. He said God raised Trump up “for a time such as this, like Queen Esther.” This is the key verse where Mordecai tells Esther: “…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

2. Book of Revelation (one-world government and the Antichrist)

• Reference: Revelation 13 (and related passages in Revelation, especially chapters 13 and 17–18)
• Context: Graham warned about AI, technology, and global control, stating that the Bible (Revelation) teaches there will be a one-world government controlled by “a person called the Antichrist.” Revelation 13 describes the rise of the Beast (widely interpreted as the Antichrist) who exercises global authority.

3. Gospel Presentation / Salvation Message (closing)

Graham gave a clear evangelistic call near the end, emphasizing that politics cannot save anyone and that all people (conservatives included) are sinners who need Jesus. While he didn’t quote chapter-and-verse for every line, the content closely follows standard gospel elements he frequently uses:

• All have sinned and need a Savior → echoes Romans 3:23 (“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”).
• Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for our sins → core of 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.
• Repent, believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust Him as Savior → directly reflects Acts 16:31 (“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved”) and the repeated New Testament call to repentance and faith (e.g., Mark 1:15, John 3:16).

He also stressed that salvation is a free gift by grace, not earned — a direct reference to Ephesians 2:8–9 (“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works…”).

Graham’s style is typical of his preaching: he references well-known stories or themes (Esther, Revelation’s end-times imagery) rather than reading long passages, then pivots to a clear gospel invitation.

Franklin Graham video at CPAC

Overall Tone: Strongly pro-Trump, pro-conservative unity, biblically grounded, and evangelistic. Graham positions faith in Christ as more important than politics while still engaging cultural and political battles. The speech blends encouragement for the audience with urgent warnings about division, media influence, and progressive policies. Great Tone and excellent message