The Trump administration went all in on the March for Life Friday, reassuring abortion opponents and other social conservatives that their 2016 votes were not cast in vain, and setting itself up as a surprise champion for social conservatives.

While the president had to cancel a planned call to the march, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the event in person. That made him the first vice president and highest-ranking government official to make a physical appearance at the march in its history. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush spoke once each to the marchers remotely.