The incident took place on April 21 as the 78-year-old POTUS mingled with families on the South Lawn of the White House, where children had gathered for the traditional Easter egg hunt.

But it wasn’t the Easter Bunny or chocolate that had people talking online — it was what Trump was holding.

In a photo that quickly began circulating online, the former president can be seen gripping a trading card that depicts him moments after the failed assassination attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks on July 13 last year.

During the tragic event, Crooks opened fire during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, with bullets narrowly missing Trump as he stood at the podium. One rally-goer, former fire chief Corey Comperatore, was killed by a stray bullet.

Trump raising his fist after surviving the assassination attempt back in July 2024. Credit: Jeff Swensen / Getty

Trump, who would later go on to win re-election, was said to have come within milliseconds of death. One bullet grazed his ear — a moment now immortalized in the card he showed to the children.

“ U.S. President Donald Trump holds a collectors card depicting the assassination attempt during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.,” reads a caption from Getty Images accompanying one of the now-viral pictures.

Comperatore, a father of two and a volunteer fire chief, was killed during the attack. Two others were critically injured. The shocking nature of the event — and the image on the card — prompted a wave of criticism across social media.

The image can be seen below:

Trump shows a group of children a trading card of him raising a fist moments after surviving an attack on his life. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Reddit users were quick to call out the bizarre choice of content for a children’s Easter event.

“Forget about chocolate and bunnies, lets talk about that time somebody tried to shoot me dead. For a father of 5 and grandfather of idk how many, you’d think he’d have some idea of what is child friendly,” one user sarcastically wrote.

Another joked: “Isn’t this what Easter is about? Assassination attempt trading cards?”

“Personally, I like Cadbury Cream Eggs, but assassination attempt trading cards are a close 37th on the list of Easter things I enjoy,” joked a third.

One especially pointed comment 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!’ Totally normal interaction with Elementary School aged children.” The same post concluded: “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?’”

“He’s so….strange,” another bewildered Reddit user wrote.

For those wondering — yes, the card is real. It’s even available for purchase on Amazon. The front shows Trump with a bloodied ear and his hand raised in defiance. The back describes the shooting in detail.

“FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” the card is titled, with the description adding: “On July 13, 2024, a tragic event shook the nation as an attempt was made on the life of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Butler, PA. The incident sparked a wave of responses across the country, highlighting the resilience and unity of the American people in the face of adversity.

“Emergency responders, law enforcement, and citizens rallied together in Butler, PA, demonstrating courage and determination to uphold the values of democracy and justice. This event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to protect our freedoms and uphold the rule of law.

“The aftermath saw an outpouring of support and solidarity nationwide, emphasizing the strength of national unity in times of crisis. As we continue forward, let us remember the bravery shown on this day and strive to build a future where such events are never repeated.”

A painting depicting the same image as the trading card also hangs in the White House. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Despite the backlash, Trump appeared unfazed during the Easter event.

The gathering also featured activities such as a military card writing station, an “AI-Powered Experience and Photo Opportunity” sponsored by Meta, and a Reading Nook provided by Amazon.

Thousands of guests were expected to attend, and Trump used the occasion to make a statement to the crowd. “We’re going to honor Jesus Christ very powerfully throughout our lives … not just now,” he said. “We’re bringing religion back in America — we’re bringing a lot of things back.”

First Lady Melania Trump was also in attendance, along with members of the Trump family and administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

President Trump and First Lady Melania blow whistles to kick off a race during the White House Easter Egg Roll. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

His appearance followed a bombshell New York Times report about his alleged use of the Signal app to share sensitive military details — a claim the Pentagon has denied.