Did you know that more video content is uploaded to the internet in a single month than network television has produced in three decades?

The world of content marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) might be complex and constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: Video continues to be a big driver of traffic. How can you use video to strengthen your content marketing strategy and SEO?

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Leverage The World’s Second Largest Search Engine: YouTube

YouTube is not simply a website; it is a search engine. YouTube’s user-friendliness, combined with the soaring popularity of video content, has made it the second largest search engine behind Google. With 3 billion searches per month, YouTube’s search volume is larger than that of Bing, Yahoo, AOL and Ask.com combined. If YouTube’s user base were a country, it would be the third largest in the world.

Since Google owns YouTube, video content hosted on YouTube ranks well on Google. One of the best ways to capture search traffic from YouTube is to create videos around topics people are searching for or talking about, from viral phenomena to commonly asked questions.

Drive Social Engagement

In addition to platforms such as YouTube, social networks are increasingly promoting more video content. You have likely noticed that your Facebook newsfeed is dominated by video content from friends, paid advertisers and the brands you follow. Consumers are hungry for engaging video content. It is critical that your business is creating content that users will want to view and share.

Make sure your video has subtitles if you are sharing on Facebook. Users are very likely to be scrolling in an environment where they don’t want sound but may still want to watch your video. Don’t miss that opportunity to engage with them.

Showcase Video On Your Website

Video is a great way to quickly and easily explain your business’ unique value proposition and showcase your company culture. Explainer and introduction videos are really strong tools for your homepage or a “how it works” section on your website. Don’t assume that people want to read through your services or scroll through a bunch of products. Make it easier for them with video.

Email, Email, Email!

Yes, email marketing still works. You must always be providing value. Email is a terrific way to stay top-of-mind and in front of consumers because it goes directly to them. Also, consumers on your email list have likely opted-in at some point, so it is a warm audience that is ready to hear from you.

There are tools that allow you to embed video directly into email campaigns, but video can be just as effective in email if you simply tease the video in the email and push users to your website. Those who are interested will click through. The key to successful email marketing is to create content that provides value.

A White House grappling with the political fallout from FBI Director James Comey’s sudden firing faced new questions Monday after a report that President Trump had revealed highly classified intelligence to Russian officials during a meeting last week.

Trump allegedly revealed “code-word information” related to threats from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria that had been provided by a U.S. ally in the region, according to The Washington Post, which first reported the story.

One U.S. official told The Post that the information was so sensitive it had not been provided to U.S. allies.

Trump discussed the information, according to the report, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office during a meeting on Wednesday — a day after he fired Comey.

White House officials pushed back against the report, which Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategy Dina Powell, who attended Trump’s meeting with Lavrov and Kislyak, labeled “false.”

“The president only discussed the common threats that both countries faced,” Powell said.

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster also described the story as “false” during an on-camera appearance outside the White House, arguing that on-the-record denials should be given more credence than a story based on anonymous sources.

Secretary of State Rex W. TIllerson in a statement said Trump had discussed common efforts and threats regarding counterterrorism with Lavrov.

The two discussed the “nature of specific threats,” Tillerson said, “but they did not discuss sources, methods or military operations.” 

The White House’s denial — that Trump did not explicitly discuss the sources and methods behind the intelligence — did not directly address or nullify The Post’s reporting.

The information Trump revealed included details that Russia could use to deduce the sources or methods used to gather the intelligence, officials told the paper.

Among those details was the name of the city in Islamic State territory where the U.S. partner detected the threat, seen as a particularly sensitive disclosure that could allow Russia to identify the intelligence capability involved.

That capability is highly valuable, according to The Post. It could be used to provide intelligence on Russia’s involvement in Syria — meaning that the Kremlin would have an intense interest in identifying and disrupting it.

The report was particularly damaging given Trump’s longstanding criticism of Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham Clinton‘Daily Show’ resurfaces GOP tweets on mishandling classified info. Poll: Most want ‘independent’ probe of Trump, Russia Trump takes heat over intel, ‘tapes’ MORE’s carelessness with classified information. Clinton used a private email server as secretary of State, through which classified information was sent.

The fact that the intelligence story centered on Russia also added to its gravity.

The FBI is investigating Russia’s meddling in the election, and whether there are any links between Trump’s campaign and Moscow. Democrats saw Comey’s firing as an effort to end that investigation.

The White House had already had a difficult day when the Post story appeared, with press secretary Sean Spicer tangling with reporters over Trump’s threat to Comey suggesting the president had tapes of their conversations.

Spicer refused to say whether the recordings existed, or whether the president would comply with congressional requests to produce them if they did.

Facing repeated questions from multiple news outlets, Spicer went back to the same line: “The president has made it clear what his position is,” he said.

Pressed specifically if Trump would deny a request to turn over any recordings, the spokesman replied, “I was clear the president would have nothing further on that last week.”

Spicer’s response heightened a standoff between the executive and legislative branches that could complicate the process to replace Comey.

Lawmakers from both parties have called on Trump to turn over any tapes if they exist.

Some Democrats have said they will try to block Trump’s nominee if he does not turn over the recordings or acknowledge that none exist.

They are also using the fight to underline their arguments for a special prosecutor to investigate Russia’s actions in last year’s election.

“What happened this week makes it all the more important that we get a special prosecutor,” Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles SchumerDems: Trump must explain allegations he discussed classified info White House defends Trump on classified intel report Comey’s gone, now how do we replace him at the FBI? MORE (D-N.Y.) said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“To have that special prosecutor, people would breathe a sigh of relief, because then there would be a real independent person overlooking the FBI director,” he added. 

Trump and his aides have repeatedly disparaged the Russia investigation, arguing it is “fake news” and that Democrats and the media should move on.

The possibility that tapes exist of conversations between Trump and Comey was raised by Trump on Twitter.

In a tweet on Friday, he appeared to threaten Comey with the tapes just days after his surprise decision to fire the FBI director.

Trump warned Comey that he had “better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!”

Spicer has repeatedly declined to say whether any such recordings were made.  

“I’ve talked to the president. The president has nothing further to add on that, » Spicer said last Friday.

Trump, too, has refused to elaborate on his claims.

“I won’t talk about that,” he told Fox News last week. “All I want is for Comey to be honest and I hope he will be and I’m sure he will be, I hope.”

The White House’s decision to stonewall questions about the existence of recordings may be untenable.

Spicer’s responses on Monday quickly became a leading story of the day.

The press secretary, who appeared uncomfortable at times during the briefing, was asked about the possible tapes nine times by three different reporters during Monday’s briefing. 

Those questions will almost certainly hover over Trump’s first overseas trip, which begins Friday.

The fight over the tapes comes amid speculation that Trump might be ready to make changes to his White House staff, including the possible firing of Spicer.

Trump was reportedly unhappy that his communications team was not ready to defend his decision to fire Comey immediately after it was announced last week.

But Trump hurt his own case by contradicting the White House’s initial rationale for the firing: that the president acted after Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had recommended that Comey be fired.

In an interview with NBC that aired Thursday, Trump said he always planned to fire Comey, who he criticized as a “showboat.”

Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamTrump faces tough choices in FBI pick ‘Daily Show’ resurfaces GOP tweets on mishandling classified info. Trump takes heat over intel, ‘tapes’ MORE (R-S.C.) on Sunday called on the White House to « clear the air » about the existence of any tapes.

“You can’t be cute about tapes. If there are any tapes of this conversation, they need to be turned over,” Graham said on NBC’s « Meet the Press. »

Sen. Mike LeeMike LeeTrump takes heat over intel, ‘tapes’ White House refuses to say if Comey tapes exist Build a better bill: GOP Senate must save ObamaCare repeal once again MORE (R-Utah) said if the tapes do exist, it’s “probably inevitable” that Trump would have to turn them over to Congress, which is investigating whether his associates colluded with Russia to meddle in the 2016 elections.

“If, in fact, there are such recordings, I think those recordings will be subpoenaed and I think they will probably have to turn them over,” he said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Arguably, everyone knows how Dropbox got started. The founders shot a quick screencast video demonstrating how the product will work. They shared the link on HackerNews and got a huge community response.

Though this story took place back in 2008, video marketing today still remains one of the most efficient ways to drive traffic to your products. These seven statistics will prove the point further:

Including Video in Emails Can Improve CTR From 200 Percent to 583 Percent

It’s true, research shows that click through rates can increase by as much as 583 percent when video is used in marketing emails. Those are impressive results by any standard. However, it is important to apply some best practices. Keep videos relatively short, no more than two minutes long, and include them early in the email when viewers are paying most attention.

More Than 50 Precent of All Videos Are Viewed on Mobile

Not only are more than 50 perecent of videos viewed on mobile, there’s been a 233 percent increase in viewing since 2013. It should be noted at the vast majority of views are through phones and not tablets. Mobile is also behind an overall 33 percent increase in video views. Anyone interested in mobile, video market should also know that their target audience members are frequently watching videos that are five minutes or longer.

Adding a Video to a Landing Page Can Boost Conversion Rates by 80 percent

According to Creativa, it’s a matter of simple mathematics. An engaging video that has high production values is going to earn the viewer’s immediate focus. Even better, many customers retain information about products and services much more readily if they are able to see a video. Using video also promotes trust which is very important at this stage in the funnel.

Recommended Viewing Length on Facebook Live Videos is 3 Times Regular Videos

Audiences are clearly attracted to live content. Live streaming videos not only get viewers attention, they keep it for significantly longer. This gives hosts more time to reach audience members with their message.

It’s important to remember that the most effective videos will be well produced. So, make sure that your equipment and connection is ready to go. Then, be personable during the live feed. Greet audience members and field questions.

90 Percent of Users Say That Product Demo Videos Help Them Make Decisions

Using video helps customers through all parts of the consumer journey. This includes the phase where customers are narrowing down the products that interest them. By including product demonstration videos, brands can build goodwill by helping customers through the decision making process.

81 Percent of Audience Members Viewed More Live Content in 2016 Over 2015

2015 appears to have been the year that live videos were testing the waters. Evidence is clear that they exploded in 2016. In addition to this, all signs point to live streaming content further increasing in popularity in 2017 as well. This should serve as strong motivation to companies that are considering reaching out to their followers with live content.

Videos Posted to Social Get 1200 Percent More Shares Than Text And Images Together

This statistic clearly shows that there is something about videos that create much more engagement than other forms of content. Companies who wish to increase their audience and improve brand recognition should absolutely look towards vide as a way to accomplish their goals.

Video marketing is no longer cutting edge. These numbers prove that not only should video be a part of your content marketing strategy, it should likely be a main component.

Read more about video marketing here on Tech.Co

LONDON — The international « ransomware » cyberattack has so far hit more than 100,000 organizations in at least 150 countries, says Europol, the European Union’s police agency.

Spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth said Sunday that the number of individuals who have fallen victim to the cyberextortion attack could be much higher. 

He said it was too early to say who is behind the onslaught and what their motivation was. He said the main challenge was the fast-spreading capabilities of the malware, but added that, so far, not many people have paid the ransoms that the virus demands.

He warned that more people may be hit by the virus Monday when they return to work and switch on their computers.

The attack, which began Friday, is believed to be the biggest online extortion attack ever recorded, with victims including Britain’s hospital network and Germany’s national railway.   

• Nations grapple with massive cyberattack as more threats loom
• Britain’s health service paralyzed in massive international cyber attack

Chinese media reported Sunday that the « ransomware » virus attacked many university networks in China. The Beijing News said that students at several universities around the country reported being hit by the virus, which blocked access to their thesis papers and dissertation presentations. 

The cyberattack was stemmed by a young British researcher and an inexpensive domain registration, with help from another 20-something security engineer in the U.S. 

Britain’s National Cyber Security Center and others were hailing the cybersecurity researcher, a 22-year-old identified online only as MalwareTech, who — unintentionally at first — discovered a « kill switch » that halted the unprecedented outbreak. 

By then, the « ransomware » attack had hobbled Britain’s hospital network and computer systems in several countries, in an effort to extort money from computer users. It disrupted computers that run factories, banks, government agencies and transport systems. It crippled the British health care system for a day, infecting nearly 20 percent of its health care groups, forcing medical treatments to be canceled or postponed for thousands of people. 

Spain’s telephone system was among the first targeted, CBS News’ Jonathan Vigliotti reported. Russia’s largest mobile phone company was hit, and FedEx announced it was also infected.

Hackers tricked victims into opening corrupt links in emails disguised as invoices and security warnings. The attack held entities hostage by freezing computers, encrypting data and demanding money through online bitcoin payments. By encrypting files, hackers rendered them unreadable, and demanded $300 in ransom to decode them. The amount would double after three days. If ignored, hackers warned, the data would be destroyed, Vigliotti reported.

As terrifying as the unprecedented global « ransomware » attack was, cybersecurity experts say it’s nothing compared to what might be coming — especially if companies and governments don’t make major fixes.

President Trump and his team are deeply entangled in the controversy over the firing of FBI director James Comey — and there are several potholes on the road ahead.

Top of the critical list is the extent to which Republican lawmakers distance themselves from Trump, or stick by him.

On Friday, GOP dissent grew deeper when Sen. Dean HellerDean HellerThe Memo: Dangers ahead for Trump on Comey Vulnerable GOP senator heckled at Hispanic event GOP senator: Special prosecutor ‘on the table’ MORE (R-Nev.) said the appointment of an independent prosecutor to look into alleged links between Trump associates and Russia “should be on the table,” if congressional probes into the matter encounter obstacles. Heller is up for re-election next year, and his seat is widely seen as the top Democratic target.

The Nevadan is one of about a dozen GOP senators who have expressed concern or criticism about the president’s actions. 

Trump’s low approval ratings could also loosen the bond between him and his party colleagues on Capitol Hill. A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday — and conducted almost entirely before the Comey controversy erupted — gave him an approval rating of just 36 percent among registered voters, with 58 percent disapproving.

Republican nerves were further frayed by a Friday morning tweetstorm from the president. Trump took aim at Comey, asserting that the fired FBI director “better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!”

The president floated the idea of cancelling the daily White House press briefing and wrote that “it is not possible for my surrogates to stand at [the] podium with perfect accuracy!” 

The tweet about Comey and “tapes” caused particular outrage, with critics of the president arguing that it was tantamount to a threat. Democratic Rep. Gerry ConnollyGerry ConnollyThe Memo: Dangers ahead for Trump on Comey Dem lawmaker: Trump’s Comey tweet is ‘witness intimidation’ Dems warn GOP: Now you own healthcare MORE (Va.) went so far as to accuse Trump of witness intimidation.

Later in the day, Speaker Paul RyanPaul RyanThe Memo: Dangers ahead for Trump on Comey Baldwin returns to SNL as Trump: ‘I fired Comey because of Russia’ Ryan declines comment on Trump’s warning to Comey MORE (R-Wis.) parried reporters’ questions on Trump’s social media jabs, saying that he was “not going to comment on the tweets of the day or the hour.”

Ryan also sought to shift the focus onto likely replacements for Comey.

But the chances of the storyline moving onto more favorable territory for the president look slim.

Press secretary Sean Spicer declined to clarify during Friday’s media briefing whether conversations in the Oval Office or in the White House residence have been recorded. 

Chris Wallace of Fox News Channel said on-air that one of those exchanges “took my breath away.” Wallace added that the administration was “playing a very dangerous game with the currency of the credibility of the President of the United States.”

The president has other mounting worries. 

The way in which the firing of Comey was handled has caused consternation even among some of his staunchest allies. It has renewed speculation about the future of key members of his communications team, including Spicer. 

And it has led to yet another wave of leaks from within Team Trump, after a period in which the White House appeared to have some success in putting a lid on its internal divisions.

Defenders of the president also noted ruefully on Friday that only eight days had elapsed since Republicans in the House had passed legislation aimed at dismantling and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. 

The victory for Trump — which came after critics had pronounced his healthcare efforts dead and buried — feels like distant history now. The Comey controversy has become all-consuming.

Trump’s frontal assault on the former FBI director could also spur sources in or close to the bureau to leak damaging information on the president and his associates — a move that would entail potential legal peril for the leakers but which could embarrass Trump nonetheless.

The president could face some fraught moments on Capitol Hill next week. While Comey himself will not testify, despite being invited to do so, deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein will brief the full Senate on the episode.

Considerable intrigue surrounds Rosenstein’s role. He wrote a now-famous memo to the president which was vigorously critical of Comey. But there were also some media reports — contested by the Department of Justice — that he had threatened to resign if he were cast as the driving force behind the director’s firing.

Trump’s political opponents are using his words to suggest he himself is skating close to legal difficulties. 

Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinThe Memo: Dangers ahead for Trump on Comey Deputy AG sees no need for special prosecutor on Russia: report Feinstein calls for deputy AG to name special prosecutor or resign MORE (D-Ill.) on Friday said that Trump had come “dangerously close to obstruction of justice” when he had referenced the Russia controversy while discussing his reasons for removing Comey.

“When I decided to just do it, I said to myself — I said, you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story,” the president told Lester Holt during an NBC News interview on Thursday.

Trump, as ever, remains defiant. 

In an interview with Fox News Channel’s Jeanine Pirro broadcast Saturday, the president accused “the fake media” of “going crazy.” 

But for now, there is no quick path out of the woods.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage, primarily focused on Donald TrumpDonald TrumpIs America preparing for Russia’s next onslaught? GOP rep: ‘Probably more’ links between Clinton and Russia than Trump The Memo: Dangers ahead for Trump on Comey MORE’s presidency.

If marketers had a zodiac calendar, we might call 2017, “the year of the video.”

Why is that? Online video is enjoying the spotlight, due in part to its increasingly crucial role in social media. Online video consumption is also at an all-time high, and that is a definite plus for video marketing.

There’s never been a better time for businesses to take advantage of video’s popularity. In January, eMarketer estimated that 62 percent of the world’s internet users would view digital video in 2017. That staggering number should pique any business owner’s interest in video as a persuasive marketing tool.

Let’s consider three of the most common reasons consumers engage online. People are curious creatures and seek to engage with media for inspiration, information and innovation. Take a moment to let those three desires sink in. Now, let’s look at online video marketing applications that deliver on each.

Our desire for inspiration includes not only motivational stories but stories that are purely entertaining. A 2017 article in The Huffington Post reports that businesses are “embracing online video as a more personal and engaging way to connect with audiences.”

Videos that weave together a compelling story through testimonials from satisfied customers who are passionate about your brand and willing to be bonafied spokespeople are a perfect example of how you can leverage video to gain some inspirational marketing traction.

Since well-crafted video boosts brand awareness and trust, then the opportunity to provide information to your market about your services or products with video is a great move. A corporate identity video relating the story of your company’s history, core values, goals and future plans is a great way to provide information that inquiring customers want to know.

Innovation is a constant craving of the online audience and a great marketing opportunity for your business. Which of your new or upcoming innovations lend themselves well to video? Has your company produced an interesting new product or process that eases customer frustration?

Once you’ve created your video, be sure to invest enough in the promotion of it to ensure you generate ROI on the overall investment. Too many marketers focus too much on the video and little time on how they intend to promote it – whether that be through purchased media, email marketing, social marketing, etc.

Like many things, less is more when it comes to the total length of your video. You’re seeking a balance in effective storytelling and likely viewership; the longer the video, generally the lower the viewership. Consult with your marketing firm to find the right-targeted length for your purpose and audience.

Video marketing is effective, persuasive, wildly popular and in-demand. It should, however, be a part of an overall marketing investment and a plan that you make with a trusted marketing partner to ensure video viewership brings the results you deserve.

Tricia Warren can be reached at www.redrovercompany.com.

LYNCHBURG, Virginia — President Donald Trump avoided directly attacking the media on Saturday but took on what he called a “chorus of critics” as he appeared to defend the controversial firing of FBI Director James Comey in a commencement address here at Liberty University.

“The fact is, no one has ever achieved anything significant without a chorus of critics standing on the sidelines explaining why it can’t be done,” Trump said. “Nothing is easier or more pathetic than being a critic. Because they’re people that can’t get the job done.”

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Trump’s speech, his first commencement address as president, at times seemed like a message to graduates and critics alike that the commander in chief himself also needed to hear.

“Following your convictions means you must be willing to face criticism from those who lack the same courage to do what is right — and they know what is right, but they don’t have the courage or the guts or the stamina to take it and to do it,” he said.

The comments appeared to be a veiled response to the swift backlash he faced this week after terminating Comey, who was overseeing an investigation into potential collusion between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Trump said the first months of his presidency have shown him “the system is broken,” calling Washington a place where “a small group of failed voices who think they know everything and understand everyone want to tell everybody else how to live and what to do and how to think.”

The speech was at times conventional and unpredictably bizarre. He shared an uplifting message with the students, paid homage to the late founder of the university, Jerry Falwell, and shouted out Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, World War II veteran George Rogers and mothers, ahead of Sunday’s holiday. He also unveiled the Liberty football team’s upcoming football schedule.

“As of February of this year, the Liberty Flames are playing in the FBS, the highest level of competition in NCAA football,” Trump said to applause. “Don’t clap. That could be tough. Don’t clap. That could be tough.”

But Trump also offered up more typical inspirational fare in a speech in which he largely stayed on script and avoided his frequent attacks on the « fake » media.

He urged graduates during his 32-minute speech to do what they love and never quit. “Nothing worth doing ever, ever, ever came easy, » Trump said, telling the graduates that a future president or two could be among them. He told the crowd to “embrace the label” of outsider.

“The more people tell you it’s not possible, that it can’t be done, the more you should be absolutely determined to prove them wrong,” he said. “Treat the word impossible as nothing more than motivation. Relish the opportunity to be an outsider. Embrace that label … because it’s the outsiders who change the world and who make a real and lasting difference.”

His remarks capped a rough week that was dominated by his abrupt firing — and subsequent threatening — of Comey and contradictory statements from the president and his top aides in the aftermath about what exactly occurred and why.

Trump declared on Twitter on Friday that it’s “not possible” for his spokespeople to communicate his message “with perfect accuracy” because he is “very active.” He suggested ending the tradition of daily White House press briefings and told Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro that, “in all fairness” to press secretary Sean Spicer and deputy press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, “they don’t know me.”

Saturday allowed Trump to speak for himself. His first commencement address as president came just days after his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, was booed and heckled Wednesday during her speech at Bethune-Cookman University, a historically black college in Daytona Beach, Florida, where some graduating seniors turned their backs on her in protest.

It was unclear if Trump would face similar protests inside the stadium on his return to Liberty. Some students had participated in a small protest outside the arena when Trump last spoke here in January 2016. He was mocked then for citing « Two Corinthians » during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day convocation speech.

But the president was well received Saturday by the record crowd, including some graduates who donned the president’s trademark “Make America Great Again” hats in lieu of the traditional cap.

“It’s been a little over a year since I’ve spoken on your beautiful campus, and so much has changed. Right here, the class of 2017, dressed in cap and gown, graduating to a totally brilliant future,” Trump said. “And here I am, standing before you as president of the United States. So I’m guessing there are some people here today who thought that either one of those things — either one — would really require major help from God. Do we agree? And we got it.”

Trump himself, who was awarded an honorary degree, did not don the traditional academic regalia of commencement speakers, delivering his address in a suit and tie.

Saturday granted Trump an opportunity to engage with a largely supportive crowd of thousands, giving the president the semblance of a much-needed campaign-style rally after being holed up in the White House all week. Trump thanked the graduates for their votes — “boy did you come out and vote,” he told them — and pledged to defend their conservative values as long as he occupies the Oval Office.

“America is better when people put their faith into action,” Trump said. “As long as I am your president, no one is ever going to stop you from practicing your faith or from preaching what’s in your heart. We will always stand up for the right of all Americans to pray to god and to follow his teachings. America is beginning a new chapter.”

He added, in a line that, by far, received the biggest applause: “In America, we don’t worship government. We worship God.”

The president spoke before some 50,000 people in 55-degree weather under cloudy, gray skies here inside the university’s outdoor stadium, which is tucked under the scenery of the voluminous Blue Ridge Mountains.

Liberty, which bills itself as “the world’s largest Christian university,” said more than 18,000 students graduated on Saturday. Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of Liberty University who endorsed Trump during the GOP primary, greeted Trump upon his arrival and introduced him back at the campus.