In contrast with leaders seated around them, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump did not recite the Apostles' Creed—a common statement in Christianity—at the Washington, D.C. funeral for late President George H.W. Bush on Wednesday.
Video of the funeral showed former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter, former first lady Rosalynn Carter and Vice President Mike Pence, among others, reciting the Apostles' Creed during the funeral. The Trumps, meanwhile, silently held their sheets as others recited the creed, which begins: "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth."
CNN commentator Keith Boykin posted a clip of the moment, writing about Trump alongside the video: "This is your 'Christian' evangelical president."
This is your "Christian" evangelical president. pic.twitter.com/u0478FoSyR
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) December 5, 2018
A number of others commented on the past presidents reciting the religious text and singing hymns while Trump stayed silent.
For instance, Philip Rucker of The Washington Post tweeted: "The differences between Trump and his predecessors are evident in ways big and small. 39, 42 and 44 are singing along to the hymn, but 45's lips are not moving."
Trump earned about 80 percent of the evangelical vote in 2016's presidential election and has touted public support from religious Christian leaders like Jerry Falwell Jr.
Alone among the presidents and first ladies gathered for #BushFuneral, @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS are refraining from joining in unison readings like the Apostle's Creed or the singing of hymns.
— Brian Ellison (@Ptsbrian) December 5, 2018
Striking that all the former Presidents and First Ladies recited the Apostles Creed, but Trump and Melania stood silently and did not. The creeds are at the heart of historic orthodox Christianity
— Jon Ward (@jonward11) December 5, 2018
It’s SO weird that Barack Obama (the “Muslim”) knew all the words to the Apostles’ Creed, and Donald Trump (the Evangelical hero) didn’t know any of them, and didn’t even bother to read them. #GeorgeHWBushFuneral
— John Ziegler (@Zigmanfreud) December 5, 2018
Bush, the 41st president, died at the age of 94 last week. His son, 43rd President George W. Bush, remembered his father fondly in a eulogy on Wednesday—saying his father was now with his wife and daughter who had passed before him.
"Through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man. The best father a son or daughter could have," Bush said. "And in our grief, let us smile knowing that dad is hugging Robin and holding Mom's hand again."
