Donald Trump has been accused of being “disgusting” after he honored the late Pope Francis in a speech at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pictured on Easter Monday (Image: MANDEL NGAN, AFP via Getty Images)
On a somber note amid Easter celebrations, President Donald Trump responded to Pope Francis‘s passing in an unexpected way that left onlookers in disbelief. Meanwhile, the Trump administration may offer a $5,000 bonus to raise the US birth rate.
During the White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll, before participating in the festivities, Trump addressed the crowd with news of the Pontiff’s demise. His delivery and the timing of his speech – alongside Melania Trump and the whimsical figure of the Easter Bunny – caused a stir among spectators.
Trump remarked: “I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country – all federal flags and state flags – at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis. He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world, and it’s an honor to do that. I want to thank everybody for being here – this is some band. I’ve heard this band, actually indirectly for four years, and very directly now for four-and-a-half. The Marine band is very, very special.” It comes as CNN abruptly pauses for breaking news as Trump’s CATASTROPHIC mistake is exposed.
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In addition, the president spoke of efforts to restore “religion back” in America, highlighting the significance of Easter. Nonetheless, many were taken aback as the Easter bunny remained present while Trump paid tribute to the respected religious leader.
Social media was packed with reactions to the unconventional announcement of the Pope’s death, as one user sarcastically remarked on platform X: “‘Hey I’ve got to announce the Pope has died, quick get the Easter Bunny suit on and stand next to me’.”
The online community expressed a range of emotions, with comments such as: “Disgusting man.” Another person expressed disbelief, saying: “There are no words.”
Criticism continued with a user pointing out the lack of clarity in the announcement: “If you didn’t know the Pope had passed away from alternative sources, nothing he said there would have informed you. Self-centred to the fullest.”
Another individual was perplexed by the delivery, saying: “Unbelievably thoughtless. At first I thought it was AI generated.”
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment, as one commenter tried to offer a different perspective: “Not really fair to put that in quotes. It was an Easter greeting with an acknowledgement of the Pope’s death.”
Defending the announcement, someone else added: “Huh? He was announcing that the US flags would be all at half-mast for the Pope. I’m so confused about what you are trying to criticize.”
Pope Francis died earlier this week (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The Vatican’s director of health and hygiene officially confirmed the passing of Pope Francis on the evening of April 21, citing a stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse as the cause.
Earlier in the year, Pope Francis battled a severe case of pneumonia affecting both lungs and underwent hospitalization for bronchitis.
The funeral of Pope Francis will take place at 10am on Saturday at St Peter’s Square, with world leaders, cardinals and throngs of pilgrims expected to attend the Vatican for the solemn occasion. (The Mirror)