Trump praises service member rescue at Easter event while renewing warning to Iran
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump highlighted the rescue of a US service member from a downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran during remarks at the White House Easter Egg Roll on Sunday.
The annual event, attended by thousands, also served as a platform for the president to address ongoing tensions with Iran.
Trump praised the military operation and reiterated his administration’s demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. His comments come as a deadline approaches for Iran to reopen the critical shipping route.
Trump praises rescue of service member during Easter event
Speaking at the White House alongside First Lady Melania Trump and an individual dressed as the Easter Bunny, Trump combined celebratory remarks with updates on military developments.
He pointed to the rescue of the second service member from the downed F-15 fighter jet in Iran, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“Today is a very special day. It's a day where we celebrate Jesus...it’s an honor to be the President of the United States. Our country’s doing so well... What about the rescue that took place yesterday? That's something that you rarely see,” Trump said.
.@POTUS at the Easter Egg Roll: "Today is a very special day. It's a day where we celebrate Jesus...it’s an honor to be the President of the United States. Our country’s doing so well... What about the rescue that took place yesterday? That's something that you rarely see." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/seY7a0tuL7
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 6, 2026
The president described the operation as notable, emphasizing its rarity in such circumstances. The rescue followed the downing of the aircraft during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
.@POTUS on Iran: "They've made a proposal, and it's a significant proposal... it's not good enough, but it's a very significant step." pic.twitter.com/gUH6zPYt2L
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 6, 2026
Trump said Iran had “made a proposal and it's a significant proposal,” describing it as a “significant step,” but added that it was “not good enough.”
He also said Iran is “not too strong at all, in my opinion,” adding that the United States would “soon find out.” When asked about Americans opposed to the conflict, Trump said, “they're foolish because the war's about one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
President reiterates Iran deadline, comments on oil and war
During the same appearance, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran and reiterated a deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Asked whether Tuesday, April 7, at 8 pm ET marked the final deadline, he responded, “yeah.”
The president also outlined his views on Iran’s oil resources, stating, “If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it's there for the taking. There's not a thing they can do about it.”
He added, “Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home. If it were up to me, I take the oil, I keep the oil, I would make plenty of money, and I'd also take care of the people of Iran much better than they've been taken care of.”
Trump further referenced oil from Venezuela, saying, “Venezuela has worked out so incredibly… We have 100 million barrels of oil right now in Houston being refined. It's been great.”
The remarks reflect the administration’s position as it continues to press Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while balancing military objectives with domestic and economic considerations.
