President Donald Trump participates in an Easter prayer service and dinner, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in the Blue Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the White House Faith Office hosted an inspiring Easter event where President Donald Trump celebrated “the miracles of Holy Week” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defending Christians across America. Gathered alongside faith leaders, musical performers, and families, the President reminded the nation:
“There’s so much to celebrate this Easter. And we’ll not forget the true source of our joy and our strength. America has put our trust in God.”
A Week Shaped by Faith
This special event built on President Trump’s Holy Week proclamation (issued Sunday, April 13), in which he and First Lady Melania “join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God, who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of heaven for all of humanity.”
By spotlighting each day of the sacred calendar—from Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil—the President underscored how every step of Holy Week prepares hearts to rejoice in the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.
Musical Worship & White House Fellowship
The atmosphere was set by stirring performances from:
- A Liberty University chorus
- The United States Marine Corps Band
- Christian artist Charles Billingsley
These musical interludes framed powerful testimonies and prayers from some of America’s leading evangelists.
Voices of Faith
Paula White: From Crown of Thorns to Crown of Glory
Paula White, Director of the White House Faith Office and the President’s personal pastor, welcomed more than 1,000 faith leaders who have already walked through the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave since the Trump administration began. Reflecting on John 15:13, she declared:
“Because of that cross, no sin is too great, no person is too lost, and no night is too dark. [Jesus’] blood still saves. His sacrifice still speaks.”
Franklin Graham: Ending Washington’s Spiritual Drought
Introduced as “a hero of faith,” Rev. Franklin Graham thanked the President for restoring a bold Christian witness in our nation’s capital:
“There’s been a spiritual drought in this city the last few years and in this house. I’m very grateful for the Easter declaration that you put out.”
After leading a prayer for “many people this Easter to turn from their sins and by faith believe on the name of Your Son,” Graham invited President Trump to deliver his remarks.
President Trump on Easter & New Life
Addressing faith leaders, the President recounted the heart of Holy Week:
“Three days later, Christ’s followers found the empty tomb. Jesus had defeated darkness and death and promised new life to all humankind. And that’s what we celebrate each year at Easter, as we joyfully proclaim on Sunday, ‘He is risen.’”
He went on to say that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “the essence of the Christian faith,” bringing hope to the sick and solace to the sorrowful—whether in times of peace or in wartime.
Highlighting how “the miracles of Holy Week” inspire compassion nationwide, he praised Christians who “heal the sick, defend their families, lift up their communities, and make our country stronger, better, and greater.”
Defending Religious Liberty & Christian Values
President Trump touted what he called “maybe the best three months ever for a president,” including:
- Ending anti‑Christian bias in government institutions
- Expanding school choice for lower‑income families
- Protecting women’s sports by banning male participation
He also shared a personal memory of hearing Billy Graham preach at Yankee Stadium—remarking, “You think we have big crowds today—it was some crowd.” He commended Franklin Graham: “Your father would be very proud of you.”
In a poignant moment, Trump offered support to “angel mom Patty Morin,” whose daughter was tragically murdered in 2023, underscoring his administration’s commitment to victims of violent crime.
Jentezen Franklin: A Nationwide Revival
Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel (GA) highlighted a surge of church attendance and a nationwide spiritual awakening:
“God is moving in this nation mightily… We’ve never had attendance like we’re having. We’re running over. Our buildings are packed.”
Franklin closed by praying for a “bubble of protection” over President Trump and his family, asking God to grant “wisdom, favor, and mercy” to the United States.
A Memorable Night & Looking Ahead
Televangelist Kenneth Copeland and California pastor Greg Laurie—who later described the evening as “memorable”—joined faith leaders on a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom and family quarters. Laurie noted President Trump’s generosity, spending over three hours at the event and sharing “powerful words about the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Jentezen Franklin, senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, offered encouraging words about the state of faith in America. “God is moving in this nation mightily,” Franklin declared. “We’ve never had attendance like we’re having. We’re running over. Our buildings are packed.” He thanked the president for taking time from his busy schedule to host the Easter event and acknowledged the challenges faced by Trump and his family.
Other notable attendees included televangelist Kenneth Copeland and California Pastor Greg Laurie. Laurie later shared on social media that Trump “was incredibly generous with his time, spending over three hours with us” and “shared some powerful words about the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—and the hope we have because of it.”
The White House Easter celebration marks a significant moment of fellowship between the administration and faith leaders, underscoring the importance of spiritual values in American public life as the nation observes this sacred Christian holiday.
Looking forward, White House staff are already preparing for Monday’s annual Easter Egg Roll (April 21), featuring 30,000 real eggs donated by the American Egg Board—much to the delight of children across the nation.
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