Trump’s expressions as pastor Lorenzo Sewell delivers benediction at inauguration have Internet in splits

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Monday, was replete with eye-grabbing moments, including pastor Lorenzo Sewell’s energetic benediction.

The senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit delivered a sermon filled with references to Martin Luther King Jr, gospel hymns, patriotic songs, and the Declaration of Independence.

As pastor Sewell delivered his benediction, Trump’s facial expressions left social media users amused.

Pastor Lorenzo Sewell’s fiery speech at Donald Trump's inauguration

In his passionate three-minute invocation at the close of President Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, pastor Lorenzo Sewell quoted at length from Martin Luther King Jr's historic 'I Have a Dream' speech.

The remarks, which mirrored King's 1963 speech, came on Martin Luther King Jr Day, the commemoration of the civil rights leader's birthday and a national holiday.

“Heavenly father, we are so grateful that you gave our 45th and now our 47th president a millimeter miracle,” Sewell said, referencing the July 2024 attempt on Trump’s life, per DailyMail.

"We are grateful that you are the one that have called him for such a time as this, that America would begin to dream again," he further said.

The pastor implored God to "let freedom ring" across the country and prayed fervently that Americans would be "free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last".

Viewers noticed Trump during the invocation, looking visibly tired, briefly closing his eyes during the moment. The footage sparked humor online.

Donald Trump's expressions during pastor Lorenzo Sewell’s benediction has Internet in splits

Donald Trump’s reactions during pastor Lorenzo Sewell's benediction triggered a social media storm.

A user wrote, "The pastor just launched a meme coin... to raise money for the Lord's work, of course."

A user shared a photo with the caption, "Trump really said he made the new MLK."

A post read, "His face."

A user wrote, "“Free at last? Are you sure about that?”

Another wrote, "Pepe face."

"I was absolutely LOSING it to this," said one person.

A comment read, "Nobody… Trump face - “ go off king”."

A user posted, "Trump in the back: “I knew he was a great performer."

Another user remarked about Trump's reaction, "Bro was like who does this guy think he is btw."

A user noted, "Ayo this is hilariously insane."

Who Is Lorenzo Sewell?

Pastor Sewell, 45, has been leading 180 Church for seven years. His path to ministry followed a troubled childhood in Detroit, including a period as a drug dealer. A spiritual revelation in 1999 led him to Christianity and eventually to his role as a pastor.

A staunch Republican, Sewell has supported Trump since the 2016 election and first met the former president in 2024 during a roundtable discussion at his church. This meeting reportedly impressed Trump, leading to several invitations, including to the Republican National Convention later that year.

In January 2025, Lorenzo Sewell shared his perspective with Fox News, asserting that the Bible inherently intertwines spirituality and politics. According to Sewell, it's impossible for a spiritually conscious person to remain apolitical.

"The gospel message is a political message. The Bible is a political book from Genesis to Revelations. We see that the Bible is a political book. It is impossible to be politically neutral. It is important to be spiritual because you are political. You cannot be a spiritual person and not be political."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.