Evangelicals for Harris Apologizes for Misusing Billy Graham’s Sermons to Criticize Trump
A self-described Christian political group aligned with Vice President Kamala Harris has issued a formal apology after outrage erupted over its unauthorized use of archived sermons from renowned evangelist Billy Graham in campaign-style videos attacking former President Donald Trump. The controversy, which drew condemnation from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), culminated in a public statement, legal threats, and swift backlash from conservative Christian leaders.
The group, Evangelicals for Harris, which promotes left-leaning political engagement among professing Christians, came under fire after it released social media videos that selectively quoted Graham’s sermons out of context. These videos implied that the late evangelist would have disapproved of Trump’s leadership and moral character. The BGEA quickly condemned the usage, calling it “deeply misleading” and an “exploitation” of Billy Graham’s legacy.
“The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association never authorized any such use of Mr. Graham’s sermons for political ends,” the organization said in a strongly worded statement. “This was a gross misrepresentation of his gospel-centered ministry and a violation of his commitment to remaining nonpartisan in politics.”
The BGEA further warned of potential legal action for the unauthorized use of copyrighted material. A cease-and-desist letter was reportedly issued to Evangelicals for Harris, demanding that all materials featuring Graham’s voice and likeness be removed immediately.
Facing mounting pressure and the threat of a lawsuit, Evangelicals for Harris issued a statement through their parent organization, Evangelicals for America, acknowledging their misstep. “We apologize for using sermon excerpts from Rev. Billy Graham without obtaining prior permission and for the unintended perception that he endorsed our views,” the group wrote. “We respect the Graham family’s desire to preserve his legacy as one above partisan politics.”
Critics, however, argue the apology came only after public exposure and legal pressure. “This wasn’t a misunderstanding—it was a calculated move to hijack Graham’s respected platform for political gain,” said Dr. Russell Talbot, a conservative theologian and author. “The left is increasingly weaponizing faith to push an agenda that directly conflicts with biblical principles.”
This incident is not isolated but part of a growing trend in progressive circles attempting to redefine evangelicalism by removing its moral and theological anchors. Evangelicals for Harris has made headlines before for its liberal reinterpretations of Scripture and open support for policies that contradict traditional Christian teachings on marriage, life, and religious freedom.
“It is deeply troubling that a group claiming to speak for evangelicals would stoop to using the words of a faithful preacher of the gospel like Billy Graham in order to smear a sitting president,” said Sarah Dobson, a policy analyst at the Family Values Institute. “Graham called people to repentance, not to political revolution.”
The Graham family has also weighed in, voicing disappointment over the exploitation of Billy Graham’s ministry. His son, Franklin Graham, who now leads the BGEA, posted on social media, “My father preached Jesus Christ, not politics. Misusing his sermons to promote Kamala Harris is deceptive and shameful.”
Legal experts note that the BGEA’s reaction is warranted. According to copyright law, sermons—particularly those that are recorded and published—are protected intellectual property. Using those sermons in a political ad, especially to imply endorsement or opposition, can be a clear violation.
The issue underscores broader questions about the left’s approach to faith and political messaging. While the Biden-Harris administration continues to court religious voters through rhetoric of “inclusion” and “unity,” critics say their policies tell a different story—one that consistently undermines religious liberty, parental rights, and biblical morality.
Indeed, the growing disillusionment among traditional evangelicals over leftist attempts to co-opt Christian symbolism is becoming increasingly vocal. Many conservative Christians view this episode as yet another example of progressives invoking Christianity when politically convenient, while ignoring its inconvenient truths.
“There’s a reason evangelicals overwhelmingly support conservative candidates,” said Pastor John Reyes, a Florida-based Baptist minister. “We see through the falsehoods. You can’t quote Billy Graham to promote abortion rights and expect faithful Christians not to call it out.”
As the election season ramps up, the lines between faith and politics will continue to be tested. But for many conservative believers, the attempt to use Billy Graham’s sermons as a political weapon has only deepened their resolve to speak out against moral relativism and theological compromise.
Evangelicals for Harris has taken down the offending videos and pledged to be “more cautious” in future materials. But for many in the Christian community, the damage has already been done. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual and political deception increasingly infiltrating public discourse.
Billy Graham once said, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” It’s a quote his admirers believe still holds true—especially when character is sacrificed for political expediency.
Keywords:
Billy Graham, Evangelicals for Harris, Franklin Graham, Trump criticism, Christian politics, Kamala Harris, BGEA, sermon misuse, copyright violation, conservative evangelicals
