Donald Trump branded 'thoughtless' as way of honouring Pope Francis leaves people stunned

In a move that left many people astonished, President Trump's response to the passing of on Easter Monday, April 21, has garnered widespread attention.

On the same day, as thousands flocked to the prestigious White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll, President and First Lady Melania prepared to join the festivities. But it was Trump's words to the gathered crowd about the Pope's death that truly took everyone by surprise.

Standing among the iconic figures of Melania and the Easter Bunny, Trump's speech turned heads, particularly given the unlikely presence of the Easter Bunny at such a solemn announcement. At the same time, Trump faces heavy criticism, with some labelling him 'the dumbest President ever' after .

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On Easter, Trump said: "I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country - all federal flags and state flags - at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis. He was a good man, worked hard.

"He loved the , and it's an honor to do that. I want to thank everybody for being here - this is some band. I've heard this band, actually indirectly for four years, and very directly now for four-and-a-half. The Marine band is very, very special."

The president also claimed they're working to bring "religion back" to America, as he spoke of how Easter is a very special time. But many people couldn't get over the fact that the Easter bunny was stood next to him as he attempted to honour the late Pope.

One person took to X, and quipped: "'Hey I've got to announce the Pope has died, quick get the Easter Bunny suit on and stand next to me'."

Some social media users couldn't get over it, as one wrote: "Disgusting man." Another added: "There are no words."

A third replied: "If you didn’t know the Pope had passed away from alternative sources, nothing he said there would have informed you. Self-centred to the fullest."

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "Unbelievably thoughtless. At first I thought it was AI generated."

Not everyone understood the upset though, as someone else chimed in with: "Not really fair to put that in quotes. It was an Easter greeting with an acknowledgement of the Pope's death."

One more added: "Huh? He was announcing that the US flags would be all at half-mast for the Pope. I'm so confused about what you are trying to criticize."

The Vatican's director of health and hygiene confirmed Pope Francis' death the evening of April 21. It was noted he died from a stroke, coma and irreversible cardiovascular collapse.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis spent weeks fighting a life-threatening case of pneumonia in both his lungs. He was hospitalized for bronchitis.

It's been confirmed Pope Francis’ funeral mass will take place at 10am on Saturday in St Peter’s Square. World leaders, cardinals and crowds of pilgrims are predicted to head to the Vatican for the funeral.

The Prince of Wales will attend alongside president Donald Trump, Sir , Emmanuel Macron and . Numerous world leaders will visit to pay their respects to the pontiff, who died on Monday at the age of 88.