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

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."

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. 

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

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.

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.