Franklin Graham Calls for Prayer Ahead of Trump’s Middle East Trip

Christian evangelist Franklin Graham has urged Americans to pray for President Donald Trump as he prepares for his upcoming trip to the Middle East. In a tweet on Monday morning, Graham emphasized the intense pressure Trump will face regarding Israel, Gaza, and the Palestinians.

“Pray for God’s protection, and may God give him wisdom,” he added.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt provided a preview of Trump’s four-day trip to the Middle East, noting that the President aims to promote his vision for a prosperous relationship between the U.S. and Middle Eastern nations, emphasizing cooperation over extremism.

While the specific details of the visit remain somewhat unclear, it is anticipated that Trump will depart from Washington, D.C. on Monday, with his first stop being Saudi Arabia. Leavitt also mentioned that Trump plans to engage with service members at a U.S. Air Force base in Qatar during his trip.

Leavitt stated, “This trip ultimately highlights how we stand on the brink of the golden age of both the U.S. and the Middle East, driven by a common vision of stability, opportunity, and mutual respect. The President is eager to meet with the brave men and women at our air force base in Qatar throughout this journey.”

As part of his itinerary, Trump’s first significant international trip follows a brief attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, with stops planned in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, where the wealthy Arab nations will host him amid discussions that could encompass defense, aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence.

In Riyadh, Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to accompany Trump during parts of his trip in both Saudi Arabia and Qatar.