Fact Check: Trump Endorsed Louisiana's Controversial Ten Commandments Law During His Campaign
What We Know
During a recent campaign event, former President Donald Trump expressed his support for a Louisiana law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This endorsement occurred at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, D.C., where Trump urged evangelical Christians to actively participate in the upcoming 2024 election. He stated, “Has anyone read the ‘Thou shalt not steal’? I mean, has anybody read this incredible stuff? It’s just incredible,” referring to the Ten Commandments and drawing cheers from the audience (AP News).
Additionally, Trump took to social media to express his enthusiasm for the law, declaring, “I LOVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PRIVATE SCHOOLS, AND MANY OTHER PLACES, FOR THAT MATTER” (CBS News). This law, however, has faced legal challenges, with a federal appeals court ruling it unconstitutional (NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump endorsed Louisiana's Ten Commandments law is substantiated by multiple credible sources. His remarks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition event were widely reported, highlighting his intention to galvanize support from evangelical voters, a key demographic in his political base. The Associated Press and CBS News both confirm that Trump not only endorsed the law verbally but also through social media, indicating a clear and public backing of the initiative (AP News, CBS News).
However, the law itself has been deemed "facially unconstitutional" by a federal appeals court, which raises questions about its implementation and the potential for it to be challenged further in the courts (NBC News). The law's requirement for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom has been contested on the grounds of violating the separation of church and state, a principle upheld by various legal precedents.
The sources reporting on Trump's endorsement are reputable news organizations, which adds to their reliability. The Associated Press and CBS News are known for their journalistic integrity and adherence to fact-checking standards. In contrast, the law's legal challenges are reported by NBC News, which provides a balanced view by presenting both the endorsement and the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the law (NBC News).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump endorsed Louisiana's controversial Ten Commandments law during his campaign is True. His public statements and social media posts clearly demonstrate his support for the law, despite its ongoing legal challenges. The endorsement aligns with Trump's strategy to engage evangelical voters, reinforcing his position within this influential voter bloc.
