President Donald Trump has issued a special message in celebration of Holy Week, highlighting the significance of this sacred time for Christians. The White House also announced plans to host several events in honor of one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter.
On Palm Sunday, Trump released a Presidential Message marking the start of Holy Week, a time when Christians worldwide commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Melania and I join in prayer with Christians as we reflect on 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,” Trump wrote in the message.
Trump reflected on the religious observances of Holy Week, noting the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the solemn remembrance of His crucifixion and resurrection. “This is a time of reflection, as we prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for His miraculous Resurrection,” Trump stated. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, highlighting that through His death, Christians receive redemption and forgiveness. “Through His Resurrection, we have hope of eternal life,” Trump added, underscoring the victory of life over death.
The president also tied Holy Week to current issues, affirming his administration’s commitment to defending the Christian faith and religious liberties in the U.S. “We will continue to defend the right to religious liberty, uphold the dignity of life, and protect God in our public square,” Trump said. He concluded with a prayer for the country, asking God to bless America and guide the nation towards a future reflecting the values of Christ’s kingdom.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jennifer Korn, the deputy assistant to the president and head of the White House Faith Office, shared more about the White House’s upcoming Holy Week celebrations. These events include a pre-Easter dinner scheduled for Wednesday, where Trump will deliver remarks, and musical performances by the Marine Corps Band and Christian opera singer Charles Billingsley. The dinner will be attended by White House staff, faith leaders, and public figures like White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Paula White, senior advisor to the White House Faith Office.
Additionally, a Holy Thursday staff worship service is set to take place, featuring worship music performed by a Liberty University ensemble, and a prayer and communion service led by prominent pastors such as Franklin Graham and Jentezen Franklin.
Leavitt praised the White House Faith Office for organizing this “extraordinary weeklong celebration” of Holy Week, highlighting the contrast with the previous administration. In 2023, some critics took issue with President Joe Biden’s handling of Easter celebrations, pointing to the prioritization of the Transgender Day of Visibility over Easter. In response, then-Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained that Easter’s date varies annually and, in 2023, coincided with the observance of Transgender Visibility Day.
This year, Trump’s message and the White House’s celebration of Holy Week represent a distinct approach, focusing on Christian values and a renewal of the administration’s commitment to religious freedoms.
