Trump to Liberty U grads: Relish being an 'outsider'

(AP) — Donald Trump, the real estate mogul-turned-president, offered simple words of advice to university graduates Saturday as he urged them to follow their convictions, prepare to face criticism and relish the opportunity to be an "outsider."

[...] the timing of Trump's decision raised questions as he remains frustrated by FBI and congressional investigations into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential campaign that ended with Trump's election, along with possible ties between Trump associates and the Russian government.

Drawing parallels to what was widely viewed as a longshot presidential bid by Trump, who had never held elective office before winning the November election, Trump urged the graduates to never stop fighting for what they believe in.

Tens of thousands of people packed an on-campus stadium to welcome Trump, the second sitting president to address the university's commencement ceremony, with applause and a standing ovation.

[...] they had a mixed response to an executive order on religious liberty Trump signed last week directing the IRS to ease up on enforcing a rarely enforced limit on partisan political activity by churches.

Trump also promised "regulatory relief" for those who object on religious grounds to the birth control coverage requirement in the Affordable Care Act health law.

Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty University's president who endorsed the thrice-married Trump in January 2016 just before that year's Iowa caucuses and became a key campaign surrogate, praised Trump's actions on issue that concern Christian conservatives.