Trump to address March for Life via satellite

by Max Greenwood - 01/17/18 1:32 PM ET

President Trump is set to address the March for Life, an anti-abortion rights gathering in Washington, D.C., on Friday via satellite, the White House said.

Trump will become the first sitting president to address the rally via a live video. The stream is set to take place from the Rose Garden, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Wednesday.

“The president is committed to protecting the life of the unborn and he is excited to be part of this historic event,” she said.

“Since his first day in office, President Trump has remained steadfast on his campaign promises to the pro-life cause and has actively worked to protect the unborn,” said March for Life President Jeanne Mancini said in a statement.

“Over the past year, the Trump administration has significantly advanced pro-life policy, and it is with great confidence that, under his leadership, we expect to see other pro-life achievements in the years to come.”

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Vice President Pence in 2017 became the first sitting vice president to address the event since its founding in 1974. Other sitting presidents have addressed the event via telephone, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

Event organizers announced earlier this month that Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will address this year’s March for Life.

Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) are also scheduled to speak at the event.

This report was updated at 2 p.m.

Tags Chris Smith Daniel Lipinski Donald Trump Jaime Herrera Beutler March for Life Paul Ryan