Melania Trump's absence at WH Easter dinner sparks concern as reverend prays for 'bubble of protection'

First lady Melania Trump was noticeably absent from both the prayer gathering and Easter dinner at the White House on Wednesday, April 16
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2025
Melania Trump's recent absences from key events have sparked concern (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Melania Trump's recent absences from key events have sparked concern (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The spotlight turned inward at the White House Easter prayer service this week, not for who attended, but for who didn’t.

First lady Melania Trump was noticeably absent from both the prayer gathering and Easter dinner, prompting concern from attendees and netizens alike, reports the Irish Star.



 

First lady Melania Trump misses White House Easter events

According to reports, Rev Franklin Graham prayed for God to have a "bubble of protection" over the president and the first lady. 

"Lord, we pray for President Trump and First Lady Melania and their precious family," Graham said as he began. "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."

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Melania Trump, wife of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump arrives on New Year's Eve at the Mar-A-Lago Club on December 31, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. The president-elect continues to fill posts in his upcoming administration ahead of his January 20 inauguration. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)
Melania Trump and Donald Trump arrive on New Year's Eve at the Mar-A-Lago Club on December 31, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

Joining the chorus of concern, Pastor Jentezen Franklin told Trump, "We are so glad God assigned an angel to stand between you and a bullet."

He also thanked Trump for hosting the service and made a pointed remark about divine protection, saying, "God is moving in this nation, mightily." 

The president appeared in high spirits, thanking his guests and reaffirming his stance against removing "In God We Trust" from US currency. "That will never happen," he said firmly. 

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: U.S. President Donald Trump answers a reporters question during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump is meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ongoing efforts to release Israeli hostages from Gaza and newly imposed U.S. tariffs. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump answers a reporter's question during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin in the Oval Office of the White House on April 7, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump reflected on the significance of Easter, calling the death and resurrection of Jesus as "two of the most monumental events in history." He also expressed concern for Christians facing persecution around the globe, promising that his administration would use the Department of Justice to stand up against anti-Christian discrimination.

Trump told guests, "We joyfully proclaim on Sunday, He is risen... I hope this is going to be one of the great Easters ever."

Melania Trump was absent from Tiffany Trump's baby shower

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: First lady Melania Trump and Tiffany Trump attend the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on February 5, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump's second State of the Union address was postponed one week due to the partial government shutdown. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
First lady Melania Trump and Tiffany Trump attend the State of the Union address in the chamber of the US House of Representatives on February 5, 2019, in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Melania Trump raised eyebrows previously after she skipped another high-profile family event — the baby shower for her stepdaughter, Tiffany Trump.

The Peter Rabbit-themed celebration, held over the weekend and reportedly organized by Ivanka Trump, brought together friends and family in Florida to honor the 31-year-old, who is expecting her first child. Tiffany’s mother, Marla Maples, was present for the festivities and shared joyful moments from the event on Instagram.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tiffany Trump (@tiffanytrump)


 

However, Melania's absence didn’t go unnoticed. According to a source who spoke to People, there wasn’t any official reason for her no-show, but it wasn’t considered surprising.

"Melania has her own schedule, even on weekends," the Florida-based source explained, adding that the first lady reportedly spent the weekend with her 19-year-old son, Barron Trump.

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