US President Donald Trump reportedly missed a White House-backed faith event to go golfing at his nearby club, according to reports.
Faith Event Draws Thousands
On Sunday, May 17, thousands of people gathered on the National Mall for a Trump-backed event highlighting 'the Church’s role in history and civic life' in honour of America’s 250th anniversary. However, the president spent the day at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, arriving just before 1pm and leaving after 4.20pm, according to White House press pool dispatches.
Event Details
The Freedom 250 website described the celebration as 'the scene of a historic gathering as Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God.' The event ran for nine hours, featuring morning fellowship in front of the U.S. Capitol and an evening concert on 12th Street. Organisers said it was 'rooted in giving thanks for God’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250.'
Trump's Message
Trump shared a message for attendees on his Truth Social platform, writing: 'I HOPE EVERYBODY AT REDEDICATE 250 IS HAVING A GOOD TIME. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP, JUST HAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT, RACHAEL C.D., GIVE ME A CALL. I’M BACK FROM CHINA!!! President DJT.' He was scheduled to appear in a video message at the event.
Golfing Habit Under Scrutiny
This is not the first time Trump has chosen golf over a faith-based event. Last month, he skipped the Easter Service to take a motorcade tour of D.C. and also visited Trump National Golf Club. According to the tracker Did Trump Golf Today, Trump has played golf on 106 of his first 483 days back in office, accounting for about 21.9 percent of his presidency.
On the same day as the faith event, Trump issued a profanity-laced post against Iran in which he praised Allah, drawing further attention to his absence from the religious gathering.
