Trump delivers Easter message, says to be 'great,' US 'must have religion'

President Donald Trump delivered an Easter message from the Oval Office on Good Friday, saying that for the United States to be a great country, it “must have religion." The video message was shared on Truth Social to mark the observance of Easter weekend. 

“This Holy Week, I'm proud to join with Christians across the country and around the world to celebrate the most glorious miracle in all of time,” Trump began, “The resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In His life, Christ displayed true humility. In His death, he modeled true love. And in His resurrection from the tomb, he proved that even death itself will not silence those who place their trust in Almighty God.”

Trump also cited a passage from the Gospel of John, referencing John 3:16.

"As it says in Gospel of John, for God so loved the world that He gave His only son, for whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life,” he said.

The president continued by pointing to the renewed interest in religion across the country, as church attendance, particularly among young Americans, has been increasing.

“I have often said, to be a great nation, you must have religion and you must have God,” Trump said. “In churches across the nation on Sunday, the pews will be fuller, younger, and more faithful than they have at any time in many, many years. Religion is growing again in our country for the first time in decades.”

"Happy Easter to all. May God bless you. May God bless the United States of America," the president concluded.

The message drew a positive response from many Christians online, who noted the shift in tone from the previous administration. In 2024, President Biden issued a short written statement for Easter but vocally recognized Transgender Day of Visibility, which fell on the same day as Easter Sunday that year.