In a speech given on the opening day of the Republican National Convention, "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson revealed that he chose to back presidential hopeful Donald Trump from the beginning because he believes the billionaire businessman is "trustworthy" and will boldly support the American people.
"No matter who you are, Donald Trump will have your back," the CEO of Duck Commander told those gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for the four-day convention. "If you're lookin' for a job, or trying to grow a business like I am, Donald Trump will have your back. If you're a serviceman fighting overseas, or a cop who is risking their lives to help keep us safe at home, Donald Trump will have your back."
Robertson, who wore an American flag bandanna while speaking to the crowd, revealed that he and the presumptive nominee share a number of interests: "We're both successful businessmen, we both have had hit television shows and we both have intelligent wives who are much better-looking than we are." He paused. "Are you cheering, because we're ugly?" he joked.
"It's been a rough year for the media experts," he said, speaking to Republicans who share his hobbies. "I don't even know if they know how to talk to people from Middle America ... who like to hunt, and fish, and pray and actually work for a living."
"It must be humbling to be so wrong about so much for so long," he added, referencing those who have opposed Trump in the past.
The Christian reality star then joked that GOP hopeful "may not always tell you what you want to hear, you may not always agree, and it may not always be politically correct." However, "when your father is Phil Robertson, you're used to that."
"But I'll say this," he said, taking on a more serious tone. "Donald Trump will always, always tell you the truth as he sees it. And that's why we can trust him to make America great again as our next president."
As earlier reported, Robertson first endorsed Trump back in January, praising his extensive business experience, adherence to the Second Amendment, and dedication to preserving the family.
"Our system is broken...I think a lot of the politicians are just more of the same. I want someone in there who can shake it up...I like a man who puts his money where his mouth is and isn't in debt to anyone...I think [Trump's] the man for the job," he told Fox News earlier this year.
"He's run a business and I think, you know, so many of these people come in. They've never run a business. They don't know what they're doing when they get there, and I just like somebody who's run a business, especially New York City. I think that's an advantage. I think you couldn't be that successful in New York City without having to be able to work with different kinds of people, and I think he's done that and I think he will actually work with other people," Robertson said.
Other speakers on Monday night included Trump's wife, Melania Trump, Lieutenant General (ret.) Michael Flynn, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jason Beardsley and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke (Mont.).
On Tuesday, Donald Trump, Jr., U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Ben Carson and Kimberlin Brown are slated to speak.
The full 2016 GOP National Convention program is available here.
