Trump White House Announces ‘Extraordinary’ Holy Week Observance.

2 months ago 2

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The White House is organizing a series of events to celebrate Holy Week and Easter, led by President Donald Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald Trump, White House Faith Office, Jennifer Korn, Karoline Leavitt, Pastor Paula White.

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📍 Where & When: White House, during Holy Week leading up to Easter.

💬 Key Quote: “The White House Faith Office has put together an extraordinary weeklong celebration for Holy Week ahead of Easter Sunday,” said Karoline Leavitt.

⚠️ Impact: The events will emphasize Trump’s commitment to the Christian faith and mark a contrast to the previous administration’s Easter observance.

IN FULL:

The White House has announced a series of Holy Week events led by President Donald Trump, organized by the newly established White House Faith Office. The week of observance ahead of Easter will include the issuance of a Holy Week proclamation, a special video message, an Easter dinner, and a worship service for White House staff.

President Trump’s Easter proclamation is anticipated on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. This declaration is expected to emphasize his commitment to defending the Christian faith in various societal sectors, including schools, the military, workplaces, hospitals, and government institutions.

On Monday, a Holy Week video message from the president is slated for release. Later in the week, President Trump will host an Easter dinner at the White House. Attendees will include pastors, priests, and faith leaders, along with key staff including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Pastor Paula White, and faith director Jennifer Korn. The event will feature hymns from the Marine Corps Band, a performance by Christian opera singer Charles Billingsley, as well as prayers and remarks from President Trump.

Holy Thursday will see a White House staff worship service led by prominent religious figures like the Rev. Franklin Graham, Pastor Greg Laurie, and Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Music for the service will be provided by an ensemble from Liberty University.

Past statements from Leavitt highlighted these observances as contrasting with actions from the previous administration, particularly referencing the establishment of March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility by President Joe Biden in 2024.

The creation of the White House Faith Office by Trump aims to fulfill a promise made to millions of Christians across the country, emphasizing the current administration’s commitment to religious observance during this significant time on the Christian calendar.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump announced agreements with five major law firms to provide pro bono services worth hundreds of millions of dollars for causes supported by him and the firms. The law firms include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump; the law firms Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP; and the EEOC.

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📍 Where & When: Announced on Truth Social, the agreements were publicized on Friday, April 11.

💬 Key Quote: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers,” Trump’s Truth Social post states.

⚠️ Impact: The pro bono pledges have exceeded $900 million, bringing to heel a number of major law firms that have sought to undermine the Trump agenda by assisting lawfare efforts in recent years.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump has revealed commitments from five prominent law firms to deliver pro bono services totaling $600 million for various causes they mutually endorse. The firms joining this initiative include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, with the latter contributing $100 million. Services pledged by these firms will span supporting veterans, military families, law enforcement, and first responders, as well as addressing fairness in the justice system and combating anti-Semitism, according to statements released by Trump.

Trump’s announcement, made on Truth Social, noted that these legal entities will not partake in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. The decision is also linked to the recent withdrawal of inquiries from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with Trump referencing this move as part of an agreement.

“The Law Firms affirm their commitment to Merit-Based Hiring, Promotion, and Retention. Accordingly, the Law Firms will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: “The Law Firms affirm that they will not deny representation to clients, such as members of politically disenfranchised groups and Government Officials, employees, and advisors, who have not historically received Legal representation from major National Law Firms, including in pro bono matters, and in support of non-profits, because of the personal political views of individual lawyers.”

This development marks a significant expansion in the scale of legal services committed on a pro bono basis, notably for causes that are perceived to align closely with the Trump administration’s priorities. The total value of these pro bono pledges by law firms has now surpassed $900 million. Trump highlighted the bipartisan nature of the pro bono work to be undertaken, asserting that it will uphold a wide range of political perspectives, including conservative values.

These agreements come after Trump earlier enacted Executive Orders that penalized certain high-profile law firms. The law firms involved have previously been noted for engaging in lawfare efforts against Trump or employing individuals who have pursued dubious legal actions against him to hamper his 2024 presidential campaign and political agenda.