Trump Hosts Prayer Dinner with Faith Leaders, Defends Christian Values Ahead of Easter

On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump held a prayer service and dinner, marking one of the key events during Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. This gathering brought together diverse Christian leaders, all of whom listened intently as Trump discussed the crucial role of faith in personal lives and governance.

During his address, Trump highlighted his administration’s achievements that align with Christian principles while expressing concern over efforts he believes threaten the nation’s Christian foundation. He emphasized a resolute commitment to faith.

Trump stated, “This is really — I hope — going to be one of the great Easters ever, because we have something going that I don’t think this country has seen in 100 years. And as we gather with family and friends, we will not forget the true source of our joy and our strength: America has put our trust in God. It will always be ‘In God We Trust.’ We will never change that.”

He warned attendees about ongoing attempts to alter America’s Christian ethos, affirming his steadfastness in preserving it. Trump remarked, “You know there’s a movement to change it. It won’t happen. We won’t let that happen. Can you imagine a movement to change that?”

A Commitment to Global Christian Advocacy

Addressing the audience, Trump criticized previous administrations for their inaction regarding persecuted Christians worldwide. He assured faith leaders that his presidency would prioritize support for Christians facing adversity.

“We had nobody fighting for our Christians in other parts of the world that were being so incredibly destroyed, killed, injured, hurt. But they died, so many died. You wouldn’t think that could happen in this time — in this modern time,” he said, highlighting the need for awareness and action.

Rooting Out Anti-Christian Bias

Trump elaborated on what he described as an anti-Christian bias prevalent in the United States. He noted the establishment of a Justice Department task force aimed at combating this bias, alongside the creation of the White House Faith Office. This new office replaced the former White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, signifying a shift towards a more explicit representation of faith-based values in governance.

“You don’t hear about that very much, but there is anti-Christian bias,” Trump emphasized, underscoring his administration’s commitment to addressing this issue.

Continuing Holy Week Celebrations

As Holy Week progresses, Trump plans to host another prayer service on Holy Thursday, which will once again feature various faith leaders and members of his staff. Attendees can expect a collection of Christian hymns performed by artists associated with Liberty University, a prominent Christian institution in Virginia.

In addition to the prayer service, the White House is preparing to host a Passover event on Thursday afternoon. This occasion aims to celebrate the Jewish holiday that began on April 12 and ends on April 20, further illustrating the administration’s commitment to honoring faith traditions across different religious communities.

Inspiring Hope and Unity

Concluding his remarks, Trump expressed an optimistic message about overcoming challenges through faith. He stated, “With God’s help we can overcome every challenge, triumph over every evil, and restore the spirit of faith in the United States for generations to come. We have a very simple slogan: ‘Make America Great Again,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

A Personal Presence at the Dinner

Among the attendees was Patty Morin, whose daughter’s tragic death at the hands of an illegal immigrant in 2023 became a focal point in the last election cycle. Morin participated in the dinner shortly after sharing her daughter’s story during an emotional press briefing at the White House.

In a moment of compassion, Trump remarked, “Her daughter’s looking down on Patty today,” adding that she has “been through hell.” This sentiment encapsulates the intertwining of personal stories and broader faith-based discussions that characterized the event.

The prayer dinner not only served as a gathering of faith leaders but also acted as a reaffirmation of Trump’s commitment to maintaining Christian principles in public life. As Easter approaches, the messages shared during this significant event highlight an enduring connection between faith and governance in contemporary America.