President Donald Trump is under fire after handing children a controversial trading card featuring an image of himself moments after surviving an assassination attempt, during a seemingly lighthearted Easter event at the White House.
The incident unfolded during the annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, where Trump joined children for arts and crafts on the South Lawn. While the event was filled with festive activities, one moment quickly sparked outrage across social media.
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In a widely shared photo, Trump, 78, is seen grimacing while presenting kids with a plastic-encased trading card depicting him shortly after the shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. The image, which shows a bloodied Trump, was included in a set of collectible cards the president has promoted since the attack, NPR reported.
Social media users wasted no time criticizing the gesture. “WTH? Children did not need to see the picture of him after he was shot,” one user posted. Another added, “Ah, the pic of the staged event we have to see on every profile on this platform. Did he tell them about his miracle ear? What happened to that investigation?” A third remarked sarcastically, “I’d imagine he is telling those kids how evil democrats tried to kill him, but he is hard to kill… He also mentioned how brave he was to survive a bullet.”
Others focused on Trump’s expression in the image, calling it “disturbing.” Still, some defended the moment, with one user writing, “If Easter is nothing else, it’s the story of a failed assassination attempt,” while another called the scene “somehow both cute and the most psychotic thing I’ve ever seen.”
The controversy came during an otherwise celebratory day. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, greeted thousands on the South Lawn. A heartwarming moment briefly diverted attention when a young girl reached out for a high-five from the president. Initially missing the cue, Trump eventually responded with a quick high-five, prompting praise from MAGA supporters, according to a CNN report.
“That’s the kind of moment you can’t fake. One high five from Trump means more to that little girl than a thousand staged Biden photo ops,” one user posted. Another quipped, “What a relief to have a president that isn’t sniffing kids,” referencing past criticism of Joe Biden.
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During his remarks, Trump projected an expected crowd of 42,000 and paid tribute to the recently deceased Pope Francis, announcing that flags would be flown at half-staff. “We’re honoring Jesus Christ, and we’re going to honor Jesus Christ very powerfully throughout our lives,” Trump stated.
Trump Showing Kids Trading Card Depicting His Assassination Attempt at the WH Easter Egg Roll Today
byu/bengibbardstoothpain inpics
He added, “We’re bringing religion back in America.” This year’s event commemorated the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding, with children dressed as Founding Fathers and signing miniature Declarations of Independence.
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