Donald Trump to become first president in history to attend March for Life rally on National Mall

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will attend the March for Life rally on Friday, making him the first president in history to join the annual event protesting abortion.

Trump will speak to the thousands of marchers who will gather on the National Mall for the event.

“We are so excited for him to experience in person how passionate our marchers are about life and protecting the unborn,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life.

Mancini called Trump and his administration “consistent champions” of the March for Life movement, citing his appointment of conservative judges and federal workers, efforts to cut taxpayer funding for abortions, and his calls for an end to late-term abortions.

The White House also announced Trump's participation in the event on Twitter.

"See you on Friday ... Big Crowd!" Trump wrote.

This is the 47th year of the March of Life event, which is held around the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Trump has addressed the crowd via satellite the past two years. Former President George W. Bush also spoke remotely to the marchers via satellite when he was in office.

Michael Collins covers the White House. Reach him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March for Life: Donald Trump to become first president to join rally