President Donald Trump said at the 66th annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, on Thursday that millions of people are suffering under repressive governments, and he called out Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea by name.
“We know that millions of people in Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, and other countries suffer under repressive and brutal regimes,” Trump said. “America stands with all people suffering oppression and religious persecution.”
Trump also spoke about religious beliefs being “central” to Americans and their way of life.
“Faith is central to American life and liberty,” Trump said.
The president also said that America’s connection to God is not only “etched into the hearts of Americans,” but is visible all around, from the “Praise Be to God” on the Washington Monument to “In God We Trust” on American currency.
“How blessed we truly are to be Americans,” Trump stated.
Trump recognized Sophia Marie Campa-Peters, a nine-year-old girl for whom White House press secretary Sara Sanders asked Americans to pray last month when she was undergoing brain surgery for a medical condition that causes strokes.
Campa-Peters and her mother were at the breakfast, and Campa-Peters stood and waved to the crowd.
Trump said doctors told her she might not walk again but that Campa-Peters defied the odds.
“This little girl has God on her side,” Trump said.
Trump also praised House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), who survived being shot by a gunman last summer during a baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia.
“Your presence reminds us … that with God, all things are possible,” Trump said.