Outrage Over Donald Trump’s Easter Egg Roll Appearance: A Trading Card Depicting a Failed Assassination Attempt Causes Controversy
The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a long-standing tradition where children gather on the South Lawn for an afternoon of egg hunting and fun, was marred by a controversial incident involving President Donald Trump. During the event on April 21, 2025, President Trump, who is a grandfather of 10, found himself at the center of a social media storm after a picture of him speaking with children went viral. The reason? A trading card depicting a traumatic moment from his life—an image from a failed assassination attempt—was visible in his hand. The trading card, which shows the President with a bloody ear moments after the attack, sparked widespread outrage due to its graphic and inappropriate nature, particularly in the context of a family-oriented event.
The Easter Egg Roll and the Unlikely Controversy
The White House Easter Egg Roll has long been a symbol of fun and light-hearted festivities. Families from across the country make their way to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual tradition, which includes egg rolling competitions, games, and the chance to meet the President and First Family. For President Trump, who has 10 grandchildren, the Easter Egg Roll is an opportunity to engage with children and families in a joyful and festive atmosphere.
However, during this year’s event, a photo of Trump speaking with a group of children quickly went viral, and not for the reasons anyone could have predicted. The image shows the President holding a trading card depicting a moment shortly after a failed assassination attempt on his life in July 2023. The card, which has become available for purchase on platforms like Amazon, shows an image of Trump with a bloody ear, taken just moments after the attack that almost cost him his life.
The failed assassination attempt occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks fired several shots from a nearby building. The attack was a harrowing moment for the President, as he narrowly avoided death by mere milliseconds. Had he not turned his head just slightly at the exact moment the bullet was fired, the outcome could have been drastically different.
While President Trump survived the attack, the event resulted in tragic consequences. Corey Comperatore, a father-of-two and a volunteer fire chief, lost his life in the attack, while two others were critically injured. The attack left a scar on those who witnessed it and those who were affected by its aftermath, but the nature of the event is hardly appropriate for children, especially in a setting meant to celebrate Easter.
The Trading Card: A Gory Reminder of a Dark Moment
The trading card depicting Trump’s bloodied appearance was released as part of a memorabilia series surrounding the failed assassination attempt. The front of the card shows the President with a bloody ear and his hand raised, possibly in defense or shock, following the assassination attempt. On the back, the card offers a brief description of the event, detailing the shooting and the tragic loss of life that followed.
While trading cards are often a common way to commemorate historical events or figures, this particular card crosses a line in many people’s eyes, as it focuses on a graphic and disturbing moment in the President’s life. The nature of the card, which is sold for personal collection, was not what most people expected to be shared at an event centered on children.
As President Trump engaged with the children at the Easter Egg Roll, it became clear that the card was on full display in his hand. The President was photographed holding it while speaking to the children, which immediately drew criticism online. Many social media users expressed their disbelief at the decision to showcase such a disturbing image to young attendees, with some questioning Trump’s judgment and others commenting on the lack of sensitivity shown in the moment.
Social Media Backlash: Criticism from Parents and Redditors
Reddit users were quick to express their outrage over the incident, with many pointing out the stark contrast between the light-hearted nature of the Easter Egg Roll and the disturbing content of the trading card. One user wrote, “Forget about chocolate and bunnies, let’s talk about that time somebody tried to shoot me dead. For a father of five and grandfather of I don’t know how many, you’d think he’d have some idea of what is child-friendly.” The comment encapsulated the general sentiment, highlighting how inappropriate it was to show such a graphic image at an event designed to celebrate children.
Another Reddit user quipped sarcastically, “Isn’t this what Easter is about? Assassination attempt trading cards?” This comment reflects the frustration many felt over the President’s decision to introduce such a serious and graphic subject matter during what should have been a joyful, family-oriented event.
A third commenter added, “Personally, I like Cadbury Cream Eggs, but assassination attempt trading cards are a close 37th on the list of Easter things I enjoy.” This tongue-in-cheek remark further underscored the absurdity of the situation, with many feeling that there were countless other topics and moments more appropriate for children than a bloody depiction of a failed assassination attempt.
Further Questions Raised About the President’s Judgment
While many criticized the card itself, others took issue with President Trump’s decision to speak about the failed assassination attempt at all. One particularly scathing post on Reddit read: “Hey kids, check out this photo of me with blood coming out of my ear! Two people died in this attempt to kill me, including the assassin. Anyhow, Happy Easter!” The commenter went on to note, “Totally normal interaction with Elementary School-aged children.”
This comment highlights a key issue with the situation: the content of the trading card and its associated discussion is deeply inappropriate for children, particularly during an event that is meant to focus on fun, games, and family. The moment could have easily been avoided by simply focusing on lighter topics or engaging in more positive conversations with the children in attendance.
Another Reddit user added, “An endless list of normal, positive things to say and do, but no… ‘Here’s a pretend baseball card of my bloody face. Cool, huh?’” This remark reflects the frustration of many who felt that President Trump missed an opportunity to provide a more wholesome and child-appropriate interaction during the Easter Egg Roll.
A Divisive and Controversial Moment
The viral photo of President Trump at the Easter Egg Roll with the trading card in hand has highlighted a deeper divide between those who support the President and those who find his actions problematic. While some supporters may see it as an innocent attempt to share a part of his history, others see it as a lack of sensitivity and judgment.
It is worth noting that the decision to release a trading card of such a traumatic event in the President’s life has already sparked debate in itself. Critics argue that such a card, which focuses on a near-death experience and the violent death of another person, is not something that should be marketed for profit, especially to children. The trading card’s sale online, with details of the assassination attempt, raises ethical questions about what is appropriate to commercialize, especially when it involves such serious and tragic events.
The incident at the Easter Egg Roll serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that public figures must maintain when interacting with the public, particularly when children are involved. While sharing personal history and experiences is an important part of leadership, there are moments and topics that are better suited for more private or adult audiences. The failure to recognize this in such a public setting has led to widespread criticism, and many will undoubtedly continue to question the appropriateness of the President’s decision.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for a Positive Message
The White House Easter Egg Roll is meant to be a moment of joy and celebration for children and families, providing an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a fun-filled day. Unfortunately, the moment was overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s decision to share a graphic trading card depicting the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt. This controversial decision has sparked outrage online, with many questioning the appropriateness of showing such a disturbing image to young children.
While it is important for leaders to connect with the public and share their experiences, there are certain moments that require sensitivity and judgment. The Easter Egg Roll was an opportunity for President Trump to engage with families in a positive and meaningful way, yet the introduction of such a violent and graphic topic detracted from the spirit of the event. As the controversy continues to unfold, it is clear that moments like these serve as a reminder of the responsibility public figures have in choosing what is appropriate to share with young audiences.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.