President Donald J. Trump is making headlines this morning during the 64th annual National Prayer Breakfast. The event was started under President Dwight Eisenhower, who was the last president before Trump who had not held political office before winning the White House, and also added “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance.
Known by his staff to have a great sense of humor, President Trump opened with a joke at the expense of his replacement on Celebrity Apprentice.
Trump was introduced by the show’s producer Mark Burnett, and a few seconds into his remarks, Trump opined, “When I ran for president, I had to leave the show. That’s when I knew for sure I was doing it.” He added, “They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster and Mark will never ever bet against Trump again, and I want to just pray for Arnold if we can.”
LOL! This is classic…
President Trump cracks joke at National Prayer Breakfast: Let’s pray for @Schwarzenegger‘s ‘Apprentice’ ratings https://t.co/UYpqI3w42L pic.twitter.com/73fLPClpnz
— CNN (@CNN) February 2, 2017
Trump wasn’t only telling jokes this morning. He had kind things to say about the prayer offered by Senate Chaplain Barry Black. He is the first African-American selected for the Senate Chaplain position.
Then, he said something that is impossible to imagine former President Obama saying. “Our republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God.”
Moments ago, @POTUS said he hopes to attend the #NationalPrayerBreakfast “seven more times.” pic.twitter.com/ZueV7tOj0U
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 2, 2017
Then, he honored the men and women of the United States military, and paid tribute to the fallen Navy SEAL William Owens:
“I just came back yesterday from Dover Air Force Base to join the family of Chief [Petty Officer] William “Ryan” Owens as America’s fallen hero was returned home. Very, very sad, but very, very beautiful. He died in defense of our nation. He gave his life in defense of our people. Our debt to him and our debt to his family is eternal and everlasting. Greater love hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.’ We will never forget the men and women who wear the uniform.”
President Trump honors fallen U.S. Navy SEAL William “Ryan” Owens: “We will never forget the men and women who wear the uniform.” pic.twitter.com/eteia8Rvmt
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 2, 2017
Here is video of his full remarks, via ABC News:
What do you think about President Trump’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast? PLease leave us a comment (below) and tell us.