President Donald Trump hosted an Easter prayer service dinner at the White House on Wednesday. The president addressed about 40 Christian leaders in the White House’s Blue Room, telling them, “I hope this is going to be one of the great Easters ever.”. He called the death and resurrection of Jesus “two of the most monumental events in history.” In brief remarks that stuck mostly to a religious message — without the many lengthy asides the president usually relishes when giving speeches — Trump denounced the persecution of Christians in other parts of the world and noted the creation of a Department of Justice task force to combat anti-Christian bias. "The death and resurrection of Jesus are the essence of the Christian faith. Whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old, or in times of peace or war, Christians everywhere find solace and hope in the knowledge that Christ died for them and that they could be united with Him in heaven. The president was introduced by Franklin Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham. Before the president spoke, Graham delivered a prayer.