Is Graham’s legacy being shaken?
Jerushah Duford, granddaughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham, recently wrote an op-ed in Newsweek where she voiced her support for Vice President Kamala Harris while criticizing former President Donald Trump. In her article, Duford reflected on her upbringing around her grandfather, affectionately called “Daddy Bill,” and expressed that Trump does not embody the Christian values that have influenced her life. She described him as a “megalomaniac” and argued that his approach is at odds with evangelical principles.
Duford’s op-ed has attracted attention from prominent figures, including George Conway, co-founder of The Lincoln Project. Known for her outspoken views against Trump, Duford is also a licensed professional counselor who identifies as “LGBTQ+ friendly.” In her piece, she contended that Trump’s actions and rhetoric undermine the credibility of Christians, asserting that supporting someone with a self-centered worldview alienates those who might be curious about the faith.
She previously endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020 and urged Christian women to reject Trump, asserting that the church often prioritizes his leadership over spiritual values. During a recent appearance on an “Evangelicals for Harris” Zoom call, she implied that Trump supporters are under divine judgment and emphasized that voting for Harris transcends mere policy considerations. Duford believes it represents a stand against four more years of faith leaders rationalizing Trump’s behavior.
Duford’s views sharply contrast with those of her uncle, Franklin Graham, who has been a vocal Trump supporter. Recently, she publicly criticized Franklin for allegedly neglecting family obligations in favor of meeting Trump during a crisis caused by Hurricane Helene, where their mother was affected. Duford expressed her disappointment on social media, highlighting a perceived lack of responsibility towards family during difficult times.
In her Newsweek op-ed, Duford emphasized her commitment to the values her grandfather upheld and positioned herself as a voice for those who feel alienated by the current political climate. Her comments reflect a broader concern among some evangelicals about the direction of the Church and its alignment with political figures who may not fully represent their values.