OPINION:
Speaking truth to power can be exceedingly difficult, especially for those in close proximity to politicians and leaders. After all, these confidants and supporters might fear ramifications or fallout for causing any offense, even if they’re rightly targeting misbehavior.
It’s one of the reasons too many presidents and kings historically have been able to advance rhetoric, agendas and even poor policies with little pushback from those who know better.
And when you’re dealing with a politician known for hitting back and zinging critics, it can become even more difficult to take a stand.
Yet some apparently have no problem elevating principles over politics, pushing for what’s morally correct even if they risk offending a leader. Case-in-point: The Rev. Franklin Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham.
Mr. Graham has been making headlines in recent weeks for a private letter he wrote last year to President Trump — a note requesting the commander-in-chief abandon the “salty” language he sometimes uses in his speeches and addresses.
“The Word of God says, ‘I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak’ (Matthew 12:36),” Mr. Graham wrote on X. “President Donald J. Trump has mentioned several times publicly a letter I wrote to him about his use of ‘salty’ language.”
Mr. Trump has indeed publicly mentioned this private letter Mr. Graham penned, doing so at the Republican National Convention and in other addresses. Instead of keeping the evangelist’s quiet request about “foul language” under wraps, Mr. Trump has publicly reflected on it.
“I love your storytelling,” Mr. Graham supposedly wrote. “I think it’s great in front of the big rallies …. But sir, please do me one favor … Please, don’t use any foul language.’”
That’s a pretty bold move for Mr. Graham, who could have opted for silence over fears of how Mr. Trump might have responded but instead sent a grace-filled note encouraging Mr. Trump to watch his mouth.
It’s no secret that Mr. Graham has been supportive of Mr. Trump, often praising the president and speaking out in favor of his policies. And yet he still took the time to try to help the president better himself in this key area.
For Mr. Trump’s part, he at one point publicly disagreed with Mr. Graham’s assessment of profanity, yet he has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the evangelist — and also seemingly softened on the issue over time.
Interestingly, Mr. Trump’s RNC address did seem to indicate that Mr. Graham’s letter made a difference and that he has indeed been working to curtail his commentary.
“I was a little embarrassed,” Mr. Trump admitted after receiving the letter. “[Mr. Graham] said, ‘It won’t make any difference.’ Actually, it does, the story’s not quite as good, but I’ve been very good.
“And I’m trying, I’m just working so hard to adhere to his note to me. I’m working hard on it, Franklin.”
Ultimately, Mr. Graham believes his letter has made an impact on the commander-in-chief, regardless of what Mr. Trump has publicly said about the usefulness of peppering curse words into his speeches.
“It seems like when he slips momentarily, my letter comes to his mind, and he tells the audience about it, so it must have struck a chord with him,” Mr. Graham told the Deseret News.
Some might wonder why Mr. Graham is so adamant about policing Mr. Trump’s language. The preacher has had no problem explaining, appealing to the Bible to make his case for calling leaders to a higher standard.
“Profanity is as old as the Bible,” he said. “The Bible warns us about our speech, about taking God’s name in vain, so this isn’t something new. It goes back to the beginning of time.”
But Mr. Graham also told the Deseret News that much of his concern over the issue has to do with the president’s influence. Mr. Trump’s pulpit is big — and carries with it “a lot of weight.” Plus, Mr. Graham boldly indicated he has no plans to stop urging the president to curtail expletives and negative language.
“I’m going to continue to try to encourage him,” he said. “He’s not just the president of this country. He is a world figure that other nations, other presidents, other people, look up to and want to emulate…. That microphone goes a long way.”
Mr. Graham is correct on all counts. Presidents’ words hold a great deal of power, and Mr. Graham’s call to stand by virtue — even if it means potentially offending Mr. Trump — is laudable.
It’s especially encouraging to see Mr. Graham pledge to continue prompting Mr. Trump to do the right thing as a figure so many look up to. Of course, old habits die hard and Mr. Trump is known for his bombastic commentary. In recent days, the president has continued to offer tough words for his predecessor, President Biden.
During a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he recently referred to Mr. Biden as a “stupid president” and has repeatedly made similar comments belittling him. While far more benign than expletives, it’s wise to encourage our leaders to take the higher road.
Mr. Graham provides a shining example of how to privately address these matters and gently encourage leaders to speak — and do — better. And the fact that Mr. Trump has been heeding that advice shouldn’t be lost on us.
There’s certainly more work to do, but Mr. Graham’s standard is one we should all heed as we interact with leaders in our own lives and encourage them to properly wield the power of their words.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
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