The White House has removed a video from its official website and YouTube channel showing an Easter event where President Donald Trump compared himself to Jesus, mused about being king, and insulted European leaders. The footage was initially posted but later deleted, though a thumbnail remained visible as of Thursday.
During the closed-door lunch, Trump's spiritual adviser Paula White-Cain drew backlash for likening the president's life to that of Jesus Christ. 'No one has paid the price like you have paid the price. It almost cost you your life,' she said, referencing Trump's legal troubles and assassination attempt. 'You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and savior showed us.'
In the deleted video, Trump complained about a court ruling blocking a $400 million project, saying, 'If I was a king, we'd be doing a lot more.' He also encouraged Erika Kirk, widow of slain activist Charlie Kirk, to sue a comedian who mocked her. 'Sue their a** off,' he told her.
Trump mocked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, impersonating his hesitant response to a request for aircraft carriers, and insulted French President Emmanuel Macron, claiming his wife 'treats him very badly' and referencing an incident where she pushed him. The room laughed at the remarks.
The video was downloaded by reporters and the Democratic National Committee before removal. Photos from the event remained on White House social media accounts. It is unclear if the video was posted unintentionally.
