Donald Trump has become the first US president to attend America’s largest annual anti-abortion rally.

He addressed thousands of protesters at the March for Life near the US Capitol where his impeachment trial is ongoing.

Mr Trump said: “We’re here for a very simple reason: to defend the right of every child born and unborn to fullfil their God-given potential.”

The annual demonstration first began in 1974 – a year after the US Supreme Court legalised abortion in Roe v Wade.

Until now no president had ever attended the march, which takes place just steps from the White House, though previous Republican presidents, including George W Bush and Ronald Reagan, have addressed the group remotely.

Mike Pence became the first sitting vice-president to attend the rally in 2017.

Mr Trump’s appearance at the 47th March for Life delighted protesters.

Voters who support limiting abortion make up a key constituency for Mr Trump, who is seeking their support at the polls again in the 2020 election.

On Friday, marchers in Washington shouted “four more years” and “we love you”.

On the streets surrounding the National Mall vendors selling Trump flags and Make America Great Again hats were aplenty. Many of the attendees sported pro-Trump merchandise, though for some, there was a distinction between liking the president and liking his anti-abortion stance.

One young woman, Julia, told the BBC: “I’m not necessarily pro-Trump, but I appreciate that the President of the United States is making the move to be here.”

She added that she was unhappy at all the focus on Mr Trump as opposed to the issue.

“Until the day we can see Roe v Wade switched, [the movement] will continue, whether he’s president in the next election or not.”

Chuck Raymond, a financial advisor in St Louis, said: “Without a doubt, he is the most pro-life, pro-family, pro-religious freedom president we’ve ever had.”