Donald Trump photo op at St. John's Church facts for kids

The picture

On June 1, 2020, amid the George Floyd protests in Washington, D.C., law enforcement officers used tear gas and other riot control tactics to forcefully clear peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square.

This was done to create a path for President Donald Trump and senior administration officials to walk from the White House to St. John's Episcopal Church. Trump held up a Bible and posed for a photo shoot in front of Ashburton House (the church's parish house), which had been damaged by a fire during protests the night before.

Former military leaders, current religious leaders, and elected officials from both parties criticized Trump for the event. The event was described by The New York Times as "a burst of violence unlike any seen in the shadow of the White House in generations" and possibly one of the defining moments of the Trump presidency.

Images for kids

Police form line in the street during protests in D.C. on the night of May 31
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Police cordon extended north along 16th St NW past the church, June 3.
Trump crossing Pennsylvania Avenue through a cordon of riot police after departing St. John's Episcopal Church
President Trump Visits St. John's Episcopal Church (49964153176).jpg

President Trump leaves the White House grounds accompanied by senior officials, including General Mark A. Milley (right) in combat uniform.