Donald Trump disrupts Easter prayer service mid-song in awkward spotlight stealing moment

Donald Trump startled the singer mid-sentence by suddenly rising from his chair in an unscripted move, as if he believed it was his turn to speak
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2025
President Donald Trump arrived late to the event by about 30 minutes (PWin McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump arrived late to the event by about 30 minutes (PWin McNamee/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s return to the White House for the annual Easter Prayer Dinner on Wednesday, April 16, turned unexpectedly chaotic when he interrupted a performance mid-song in what many saw as a mistimed, spotlight-stealing moment.

Arriving about 30 minutes late to the 6:30 pm gathering, Trump walked in during a musical performance and suddenly rose from his seat while the singer was mid-verse. The performer, clearly startled, paused as Trump stepped forward, reported Irish Star.



 

Donald Trump disrupts Easter service with awkward moment

“I just wanted to shake your hand,” the president said, offering no other explanation. 

After wrapping up his remarks, Trump made his way back to his seat with a slightly uneasy shuffle. Throughout most of the event, he remained still and expressionless, only breaking his silence to deliver a brief speech.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: U.S. President Donald Trump pauses before he delivers remarks during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Christians across the globe will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 20. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump pauses before he delivers remarks during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“Where’s Patty?” Trump asked, referencing Patty Morin, whose daughter, Rachel Morin, was murdered in Maryland. “She lost her incredible daughter and her daughter is looking down at Patty today, this was some day for you and we appreciate it Patty and we're all with you 100% and you are indeed an angel mom.”

Morin, who had spoken earlier at a White House press briefing alongside Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, received a standing ovation.



 

Morin spoke quietly during the briefing, revealing that officials hadn’t shared much with her about her daughter’s death, saying it was to preserve the integrity of the investigation. She recalled the haunting details of what happened to her daughter—memories that still weigh heavily on her.

Patty Morin (L), mother of Rachel Morin, speaks as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt looks on during a daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. In 2023, Morin's daughter was murdered by Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree rape on Monday. During the briefing, Leavitt addressed the Trump administration's illegal deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who has been held in prison in El Salvador since March 15. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Patty Morin (L), mother of Rachel Morin, speaks as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt looks on during a daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

But as Morin wrapped up her emotional statement, Leavitt opened the floor by asking, “Does anyone have any questions for Patty or for me?” Someone in the room spoke up, “I have a question,” but Leavitt responded, "No."

Franklin Graham prays 'bubble of protection' over Donald Trump at Easter service

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 16: U.S. President Donald Trump (R) greets Franklin Graham (L) during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Christians across the globe will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 20. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump (R) greets Franklin Graham (L) during an Easter Prayer Service and Dinner in the Blue Room of the White House on April 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

As Easter weekend approaches, President Donald Trump hosted a spirited faith gathering that featured prayers, divine declarations, and a renewed promise to protect religious liberty in America.

At the event, Reverend Franklin Graham led a powerful prayer over the president and his family, asking for divine safeguarding.

“Lord, we pray for President Trump and First Lady Melania and their precious family,” Graham prayed. “We hold them up in this room tonight, and we believe that you have them in a bubble of protection. Keep them and watch over them, giving wisdom, giving favor, and let your goodness and your mercy rain in this nation like never before.”

Pastor Jentezen Franklin also addressed the gathering, emphasizing what he called God’s divine intervention during last year’s assassination attempt on Trump.

“We are so glad God assigned an angel to stand between you and a bullet,” Franklin said. He also expressed gratitude to Trump for holding the event, then added a pointed reflection on faith, saying, “God is moving in this nation, mightily.”

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