White House has big plans for Holy Week

The White House is planning an “extraordinary” Holy Week, highlighting Easter’s spiritual and cultural significance, a move away from the secular tone from previous administrations.

Christians across the country are preparing to celebrate the holiest days on the Christian calendar, and President Trump said on Palm Sunday that he and first lady Melania Trump plan to “join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

According to the White House Faith Office, Mr. Trump is expected to attend several events to celebrate and honor the holiest period of the liturgical year.

Additionally, he will record a special video message and host a pre-Easter dinner and an Easter service for White House staff.

“President Trump promised millions of Christians across the country that he would create a White House Faith Office, and he delivered on that promise,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “The White House Faith Office has put together an extraordinary weeklong celebration for Holy Week ahead of Easter Sunday.”

“The newly created White House Faith Office is grateful to share that President Trump will honor and celebrate Holy Week and Easter with the observance it deserves,” Office director Jennifer Korn said, adding that it “will be a special time of prayer and worship at the White House to be shared with Americans celebrating the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.”

On Sunday, the president delivered a video message wishing Jewish families in the U.S. and Israel a “blessed” Passover, emphasizing his commitment to faith and tradition.

The Easter dinner will happen on Wednesday, featuring hymns from the Marine Corps Band, a performance by Christian opera singer Charles Billingsley, and prayers and remarks from Mr. Trump.

On Thursday, the president will host a staff worship service at the White House, which will feature the Rev. Franklin Graham, pastor Greg Laurie and pastor Jentezen Franklin, who will lead a prayer, scripture, service and communion.

This year’s holy week differs greatly from the last four years when President Biden was in office.

In 2024, the Biden White House issued a statement acknowledging March 31, which was Easter Sunday that year, as Transgender Day of Visibility, and lauded the courage and contributions of transgender Americans.