In 2016, Jerry Falwell Jr. was among those who took the stage at the Republican National Convention to praise Donald Trump. As president of Liberty University, the massive Christian college in Virginia founded by his televangelist father, Falwell had made waves earlier that year when, on the eve of the Iowa caucus he’d endorsed Trump rather than Ted Cruz. Falwell’s early support helped Trump solidify his hold on evangelical Republicans and propel him to the nomination.
Analysis: As Trump seeks reelection, a chapter closes on the religious right's Falwell era
