Jerry Falwell Jr. Source Bing.com
Jerry Falwell Jr., the son of the late televangelist Jerry Falwell Sr., has been embroiled in controversy for years. One of the most prominent scandals surrounding the Liberty University president is his use of a private jet, which has come under scrutiny for its exorbitant cost and questionable purposes.
The Purchase of the Jet
Private Jet Source Bing.com
In 2012, Falwell Jr. purchased a Cessna Citation X, one of the fastest private jets in the world, for $4.5 million. The jet was bought with funds from Liberty University, a non-profit Christian organization, despite the fact that it was intended for Falwell Jr.’s personal use.
The purchase was met with criticism from both students and faculty members, who argued that the money could have been better spent on academic programs or scholarships for low-income students. Falwell Jr. defended the purchase, stating that the jet was necessary for his role as president of the university.
The Use of the Jet
Private Jet Interior Source Bing.com
Over the years, Falwell Jr.’s use of the jet has raised eyebrows. According to reports, he has used the jet for personal vacations, trips to political events, and even to transport his family’s pets.
In 2019, Falwell Jr. came under fire for using the jet to fly comedian Jimmie Walker to Liberty University’s graduation ceremony. The move was criticized as a waste of university funds, as Walker was not a notable figure in the Christian community.
The Fallout
Jerry Falwell Jr. Source Bing.com
The controversy surrounding Falwell Jr.’s use of the private jet is just one of many scandals that have plagued his tenure as president of Liberty University. In 2019, he was accused of creating a culture of fear and intimidation at the school, and of engaging in inappropriate behavior with a business partner.
In August 2020, Falwell Jr. was forced to resign from his position at Liberty University after a scandal involving a sexual relationship with a former pool attendant and allegations of financial impropriety.
The Legacy of Jerry Falwell Jr.
Jerry Falwell Sr. Source Bing.com
Jerry Falwell Jr.’s controversial tenure as president of Liberty University has left a tarnished legacy. While his father, Jerry Falwell Sr., was a respected figure in the evangelical community, Falwell Jr.’s scandals have cast a shadow over his family’s name and the university he once led.
Despite the controversy, however, Liberty University continues to thrive. The school remains one of the largest Christian universities in the world, with over 100,000 students enrolled in online and on-campus programs.
