Jerry Falwell Jr. remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American evangelicalism—not because he’s faded from public view, but because his trajectory has become a case study in how faith, politics, and business collide in the 21st century. The son of the late
Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of Liberty University, Falwell Jr. spent decades as the institution’s president, shaping millions of students in the name of conservative values. Yet in recent years, the question what is Jerry Falwell Jr. doing now has taken on new urgency. His abrupt resignation from Liberty in 2020—amid financial scandals and personal controversies—marked the end of an era, but not the end of his influence. Today, he operates at the intersection of political activism, real estate ventures, and media, all while navigating the fallout from his past decisions.
What distinguishes Falwell Jr.’s current chapter is the deliberate blurring of lines between his evangelical roots and his embrace of
Christian nationalist politics. Unlike his father, who kept ministry and politics distinct, Falwell Jr. has openly aligned himself with Donald Trump, hosted far-right figures on his platforms, and leveraged his name for ventures that stretch beyond traditional pastoral work. His financial dealings—particularly the sale of Liberty’s assets and his reported business interests—have drawn scrutiny, while his public statements continue to spark debates about the future of evangelicalism in America. Understanding what Jerry Falwell Jr. is up to now requires parsing these threads: the man who once preached moral clarity now operates in a landscape where his own actions are frequently examined under a harsher light.
The shift hasn’t been seamless. Falwell Jr.’s departure from Liberty left a power vacuum, and his post-presidency moves—including a reported $10 million severance package—fueled accusations of self-enrichment. Yet his ability to reinvent himself reflects a broader trend among evangelical leaders who’ve traded pulpit influence for political and commercial leverage. To grasp his present role, one must consider not just his actions, but the
cultural and institutional forces that have shaped them: the rise of Christian nationalism, the monetization of conservative media, and the evolving expectations of a younger generation of evangelicals. His story is less about decline and more about reinvention—one that challenges traditional notions of what it means to lead a faith-based institution in an era of rapid change.
7 Things Worth Knowing About Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Current Path
The question
what is Jerry Falwell Jr. doing now isn’t just about his daily activities; it’s about the symbolism of his choices. His post-Liberty life reveals a man who has doubled down on his political convictions while simultaneously distancing himself from the institutional responsibilities that once defined him. Below are seven key developments that define his present.
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1. His Role in Christian Nationalist Politics
Falwell Jr. has become a de facto ambassador for Christian nationalist causes, using his platform to amplify figures like Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and other far-right politicians. Unlike his father, who avoided overt political endorsements, Falwell Jr. has openly campaigned for Trump, hosted rallies at Liberty, and framed evangelicalism as inseparable from conservative policy. His influence extends beyond rhetoric: he co-founded the Liberty Federation, a political action committee designed to mobilize evangelical voters, and has been a vocal critic of what he calls "woke culture" in education, media, and corporate America. The irony of his stance is stark—while he preaches against secularism, his own financial and media ventures rely on secular markets and political alliances.
His political engagement has also made him a
target for critics, who argue that his brand of evangelicalism prioritizes partisan loyalty over biblical teaching. In 2023, he faced backlash after retweeting conspiracy theories about election fraud and promoting unproven claims about voter fraud in Virginia, where Liberty University is based. These moves have reinforced perceptions of Falwell Jr. as a political operator first, pastor second—a shift that has alienated some within his former constituency.
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2. Financial Moves and Reported Business Ventures
The question what Jerry Falwell Jr. is doing now cannot be answered without addressing his financial maneuvers, particularly the sale of Liberty University’s assets and his reported business interests. In 2020, Falwell Jr. negotiated a $10 million severance deal—a figure that drew immediate scrutiny given Liberty’s financial struggles. While he claimed the funds were for "personal security" and "future ventures," critics questioned whether the payout reflected the true value of his leadership. Since then, reports have surfaced about his involvement in real estate deals, including a $1.5 million purchase of a Virginia mansion—a property that some suggested was tied to Liberty’s endowment.
More recently, Falwell Jr. has been linked to
media and investment projects, though specifics remain vague. Industry estimates suggest he may be exploring conservative media outlets, possibly leveraging his name to attract funding or partnerships. His past ties to Trump-affiliated businesses (including a reported meeting with Trump Organization executives) have fueled speculation about future collaborations. The lack of transparency around these deals has only deepened skepticism about whether his financial moves align with his stated mission of "protecting Christian values."
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3. The Liberty Federation and Grassroots Mobilization
One of Falwell Jr.’s most concrete post-Liberty projects is the Liberty Federation, a PAC launched in 2021 with the explicit goal of electing conservative candidates at the local, state, and federal levels. The organization’s name is a deliberate nod to his father’s legacy, but its focus is unapologetically partisan. Falwell Jr. has framed the Federation as a way to "restore America to its biblical foundations," though critics argue it functions more like a political arm of the evangelical movement than a nonpartisan advocacy group. The PAC has already endorsed multiple candidates, including Republicans in Virginia’s 2023 elections, and has raised millions in donations—much of it from donors with ties to Trump’s inner circle.
The Federation’s rise is significant because it represents Falwell Jr.’s attempt to
centralize evangelical political power under his leadership. Unlike traditional Christian organizations that avoid endorsements, the Liberty Federation operates with the explicit goal of shaping policy, from abortion bans to education reform. This strategy has drawn comparisons to Robert Jeffress’ political network and other evangelical leaders who’ve transitioned from preaching to political activism. Whether this will be sustainable remains an open question—given Liberty’s financial instability, some donors have grown wary of associating with a brand that’s still recovering from its past scandals.
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4. Media Presence: Podcasts, Interviews, and Controversial Appearances
Falwell Jr. has maintained a visible media presence, using podcasts, interviews, and social media to shape the narrative around what Jerry Falwell Jr. is doing now. His podcast,
The Jerry Falwell Jr. Show, launched in 2021, features interviews with far-right figures, including Trump allies and conspiracy theorists. The show’s content has ranged from criticism of "critical race theory" in schools to defenses of Trump’s legal troubles—a positioning that has kept him relevant in conservative circles but also isolated him from mainstream evangelical leaders who prefer a less partisan approach.
His media strategy has also included high-profile interviews, such as a 2023 appearance on
Fox News where he defended Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol riot, calling it a "legitimate political protest." Such statements have reinforced his image as a loyalist to Trump’s movement, even as the former president’s legal and political fortunes have fluctuated. Falwell Jr.’s willingness to engage in controversial topics—from COVID-19 vaccine skepticism to attacks on transgender rights—has ensured his continued relevance, though it has also polarized his audience.
> "The church is not a political organization, but the issues we face today are spiritual battles. If we don’t engage, we lose."
> —Jerry Falwell Jr., in a 2022 interview with
The Christian Post
This quote captures the tension at the heart of his current work: the claim that his political activism is spiritually motivated, even as his methods increasingly resemble those of traditional political operatives.
#### 5. Legal and Ethical Scrutiny
The question what is Jerry Falwell Jr. doing now is incomplete without addressing the legal and ethical clouds that continue to follow him. His resignation from Liberty was precipitated by allegations of improper financial dealings, including a $1.5 million payment to a former aide and questions about his handling of university funds. While no criminal charges were filed, the Virginia Attorney General’s investigation into Liberty’s finances remains ongoing, with some reports suggesting Falwell Jr. may have misused institutional resources for personal gain.
Beyond Liberty, Falwell Jr. has faced lawsuits and public backlash over his business dealings. In 2021, a former Liberty employee sued him for wrongful termination, alleging retaliation after the employee criticized Falwell Jr.’s leadership. The case was settled out of court, but it added to the growing perception of Falwell Jr. as a figure more concerned with self-preservation than moral leadership. His defenders argue that these challenges are part of a broader attack on conservative institutions, but the legal battles have undeniably complicated his reinvention.
#### 6. Family Legacy and the Falwell Brand
Falwell Jr.’s actions are inextricably linked to his family’s legacy—one built on evangelical influence, media empire, and political clout. His father, Jerry Falwell Sr., was a televangelist and moral leader whose Moral Majority organization helped shape the Religious Right. Falwell Jr. inherited not just Liberty University but also the expectations that came with the name. His current path—embracing politics over pastoral care—represents a deliberate departure from his father’s more cautious approach.
Yet the Falwell brand remains valuable, and Falwell Jr. has shown no signs of letting it fade. He has rebranded Liberty’s media properties, including the
Falwell Report, to align with his political views, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with conservative Christianity. Whether this strategy will sustain his influence depends on how well he navigates the changing dynamics of evangelicalism, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly skeptical of politicized faith leaders.
#### 7. The Future of Liberty University
Perhaps the most enduring question about what Jerry Falwell Jr. is doing now is what comes next for Liberty University. Under his successor, Dr. Jerry Prevo, the school has attempted to distance itself from Falwell Jr.’s controversies, emphasizing academic rigor and financial transparency. Yet the institutional damage from his tenure persists. Enrollment has declined, donor confidence is fragile, and the university’s endowment has been depleted—partly due to Falwell Jr.’s financial decisions.
Falwell Jr. himself has hinted at a future role for himself in Liberty’s affairs, though nothing concrete has materialized. Some speculate he may return as a board member or advisor, using his name to attract donors. Others believe he’ll fully detach, focusing instead on his political and media ventures. What’s clear is that Liberty’s trajectory is now separate from his own—a rare moment in a career that was once synonymous with the university.
How These Facts Connect
Jerry Falwell Jr.’s current path reveals a deliberate strategy to repurpose his influence in an era where traditional evangelical leadership is under siege. His political activism, media projects, and business ventures are not isolated actions but interconnected efforts to maintain relevance. The Liberty Federation, his podcast, and his high-profile interviews all serve the same purpose: positioning him as the voice of a resurgent Christian nationalism. Yet this approach carries risks. By prioritizing partisan loyalty over pastoral care, he risks alienating the very audiences he claims to defend.
The table below contrasts the two dominant narratives of Falwell Jr.’s post-Liberty life: the political activist and the disgraced former leader.
| Aspect | Political Activist Narrative | Disgraced Leader Narrative |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Focus | Mobilizing evangelical voters for conservative causes | Self-enrichment and institutional mismanagement |
| Key Projects | Liberty Federation, media appearances, Trump endorsements | Controversial business deals, legal battles, severance |
| Public Perception | Defender of Christian values against "woke" culture | Symbol of evangelical hypocrisy and financial corruption |
| Legacy Impact | Shaping the next generation of conservative leaders | Damaging Liberty’s reputation and financial stability |
The tension between these narratives underscores the duality of Falwell Jr.’s current role. He is both a political operator and a figure under scrutiny—a man who has leveraged his name for profit and influence while facing the consequences of his past decisions.
Conclusion
Jerry Falwell Jr.’s story is less about decline and more about reinvention in an age of crisis for evangelicalism. The question what is Jerry Falwell Jr. doing now has no simple answer because his actions reflect a broader cultural shift: the erosion of boundaries between faith, politics, and commerce. His embrace of Christian nationalist politics, his financial maneuvers, and his media presence all point to a deliberate effort to stay relevant—even if it means sacrificing some of the moral authority that once defined his family’s legacy.
Whether this strategy will sustain his influence remains uncertain. The evangelical movement he seeks to lead is fragmenting, with younger generations increasingly rejecting the politicized faith he embodies. Yet for now, Falwell Jr. remains a key player in the conservative ecosystem, a man who has transcended his institutional past to become a symbol of resistance—for better or worse.
Comprehensive FAQs
#### Q: Is Jerry Falwell Jr. still associated with Liberty University?
A: Officially, he resigned as president in 2020, but he has not fully severed ties. Liberty University’s leadership has distanced itself from his controversies, and he has not returned in an official capacity. However, he retains influence through the Liberty Federation and occasional public statements about the university’s direction.
#### Q: What is the Liberty Federation, and how does it differ from Liberty University?
A: The Liberty Federation is a political action committee Falwell Jr. co-founded to mobilize evangelical voters for conservative candidates. Unlike Liberty University—a nonprofit educational institution—the Federation is explicitly partisan, focusing on elections, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. It operates independently but leverages Falwell Jr.’s name and network.
#### Q: Has Jerry Falwell Jr. faced any legal consequences for his time at Liberty?
A: No criminal charges have been filed against him, but he has faced legal and ethical scrutiny. The Virginia Attorney General’s investigation into Liberty’s finances remains open, and he settled a wrongful termination lawsuit from a former employee. His $10 million severance deal was particularly controversial, given Liberty’s financial struggles at the time.
#### Q: What are Jerry Falwell Jr.’s reported business interests?
A: Details remain vague and speculative, but reports suggest he has been involved in real estate deals, including the purchase of a Virginia mansion. He has also explored media and investment projects, possibly tied to conservative outlets. His past ties to Trump-affiliated businesses have fueled speculation about future collaborations, though no concrete partnerships have been publicly confirmed.
#### Q: How has Jerry Falwell Jr.’s political stance evolved since leaving Liberty?
A: He has become more overtly aligned with Donald Trump and far-right politics, unlike his father, who avoided direct endorsements. His podcast, PAC, and public statements reflect a hardline Christian nationalist position, including defenses of Trump’s legal troubles and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. This shift has polarized his audience, with some evangelicals criticizing his partisan approach.
#### Q: Will Jerry Falwell Jr. ever return to a leadership role at Liberty University?
A: It’s unlikely in the near term. Liberty’s current leadership has moved on from his era, and his controversial past makes a return politically risky. However, he has hinted at future involvement, possibly as a board advisor or donor influencer. For now, his focus appears to be on political and media ventures rather than institutional leadership.
#### Q: How do younger evangelicals view Jerry Falwell Jr. compared to his father?
A: Younger evangelicals are far more critical of Falwell Jr. than they were of his father. Many see him as too entangled in politics, while others view his financial dealings and controversies as hypocritical. His father, Jerry Falwell Sr., was respected as a moral leader, whereas Falwell Jr. is often perceived as a political opportunist. This generational divide reflects broader disillusionment with politicized evangelicalism.
