President Donald Trump used a celebratory Easter message posted Sunday to attack judges who have ruled against his administration’s sweeping immigration actions, which have included the erroneous deportation of a Maryland man and deportations made under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Trump posted the comments on Truth Social.
In what has become a hallmark of his holiday messaging, Trump wished a happy Easter to "Radical Left Lunatics" trying to bring "Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, the Mentally Insane, and well known MS-13 Gang Members and Wife Beaters, back into our Country," seemingly using at least part of the post to refer to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month. Trump blasted "WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Judges and Law Enforcement Officials" who have recently made rulings opposing his administration’s immigration actions.
The comments come days after the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the government from deporting more Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act, a law that gives presidents the power during wartime to detain immigrants from countries the U.S. is at war with or immigrants linked to "any invasion or predatory incursion" against the U.S. by any foreign government. Trump’s attack also follows decisions from the Supreme Court, Maryland District Court Judge Paula Xinis, and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issuing or supporting an order for the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. after his mistaken deportation in March.
Trump’s first Easter message on his Truth Social platform was more traditional, wishing all Americans a happy Easter. "Melania and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! Whether you are heading out to Church or, watching Service from home, may this day be full of Peace and Joy for all who celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. HE IS RISEN!!" he wrote. However, just six minutes later, he posted a second message that took a decidedly different tone.
In this second post, Trump stated, "Happy Easter to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting and scheming so hard to bring Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, the Mentally Insane, and well known MS-13 Gang Members and Wife Beaters, back into our Country." He also directed his ire toward judges, saying, "Happy Easter also to the WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Judges and Law Enforcement Officials who are allowing this sinister attack on our Nation to continue, an attack so violent that it will never be forgotten!"
Trump went on to criticize former President Joe Biden, claiming he allowed millions of criminals into the U.S. through an "Open Borders Policy" that he labeled "the single most calamitous act ever perpetrated upon America." He concluded his Easter message by attacking those he believes cheated in the 2020 presidential election, saying, "But to him, and to the person that ran and manipulated the Auto Pen (perhaps our REAL President!), and to all of the people who CHEATED in the 2020 Presidential Election in order to get this highly destructive Moron Elected, I wish you, with great love, sincerity, and affection, a very Happy Easter!!!"
Trump’s Easter messages sparked backlash from critics across the political spectrum. Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican representative, criticized Trump’s focus on political enemies instead of the holiday’s message of forgiveness and resurrection. He pointed out that Trump failed to mention Jesus or the resurrection in his posts. Others echoed this sentiment, stating that the president’s tone was out of step with the spirit of Easter.
The Trump administration has faced ongoing legal battles over its immigration policies, particularly regarding the deportation of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act. This act, invoked by Trump last month, allows for the detention and deportation of immigrants from countries deemed hostile. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported in what officials described as an administrative error.
Judge Xinis, who ruled in favor of Garcia's return, criticized the administration’s claims that he was an MS-13 member, calling the allegations "vague" and "uncorroborated." She urged the administration to substantiate its claims in court, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of those affected.
In addition to the backlash from critics, Trump’s comments have reignited discussions about the treatment of immigrants and the policies surrounding deportation. Many advocates argue that the administration’s approach has led to inhumane conditions for deported individuals, particularly those sent to El Salvador, where reports of violence and mistreatment have surfaced.
As Trump continues to emphasize immigration as a central issue, the political landscape remains charged. His administration has committed to a large-scale deportation initiative, with thousands already detained and removed since his return to office in January 2025. The grassroots movement "50501" organized protests across all 50 states on April 19, 2025, in opposition to these policies, underscoring the division surrounding immigration reform.
Looking ahead, the White House is set to host its annual Easter Egg Roll on April 21, 2025, sponsored by major tech firms, amid ongoing debates about the administration’s policies and their impact on communities across the nation. Trump's Easter message, while aimed at rallying his base, has also drawn criticism for its divisive rhetoric, highlighting the ongoing tensions in American politics.
