President Trump wrote a letter welcome students to the 40th annual National Conservative Student Conference, lauding the sponsoring organization: Young America’s Foundation.
“I applaud the Young America’s Foundation and its members for your enduring commitment to the principles of a free-market economy, individual freedom, and a strong national defense,” the president wrote. “Your leadership plays an important role in the success of our blessed nation. Melania joins me in sending our best wishes for a memorable event.”
President Trump signs a letter welcoming students to #YAFcon! pic.twitter.com/LNeicssQYI
— William Z. Nardi (@millenmessenger) August 1, 2018
This year’s National Conservative Student Conference features political figures such as Sens. Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, Ben Shapiro, and Barry Goldwater Jr.
Defined by the Sharon Statement, a declaration of principles drafted in the home of conservative icon William F. Buckley in 1960 that has since guided their organization, Trump met their vision with his in the letter saying, “As a nation defined by the people, we cherish our system of self-government and honor the sacred God-given liberties enshrined in our Constitution. Our American way of life is founded on the idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed and that each person is entitled to the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
“This revolutionary vision continues to guide our great nation. Generations of Americans have dedicated their lives to defending our fundamental rights, pursuing American greatness, and promoting peace and prosperity around the world. As President Ronald Reagan once said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.’ We must continue to serve our country and spread a culture of freedom and liberty,” he continued.
Since Trump’s inauguration, Young America’s Foundation has made a number of statements of support for his administration on key issues including Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rolling back Obama-era guidelines on Title IX regulations, according to a letter their website.
Several members of the Trump administration have spoken at their conferences, including Vice President Mike Pence and White House communications director Kellyanne Conway.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions himself is an alumnus of the student group, recently writing a statement of interest on their behalf emphasizing the seriousness of the free speech case at the University of Michigan.
