Trump attends church for first time since December

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump spent St. Patrick's Day morning worshipping at the "Church of the Presidents" near the White House.

Trump and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, joined parishioners for Sunday's 11 a.m. service at St. John's Church, a historic yellow church across from the White House and Lafayette Park. Every president since James Madison, who served in the 1800s, has attended a service at St. John's, according to the church.

The Rev. W. Bruce McPherson greeted the Trumps after the short drive from the White House.

The Trumps returned to the White House after the hour-long service.

The Trumps last attended religious services in December, at Washington National Cathedral. Trump had skipped spending the holiday at his Florida estate and stayed in Washington during the government shutdown.

In an article about President Barack Obama's churchgoing habits, the New York Times reported that Obama went to church 18 times in his first five years in office, while President George W. Bush went 120 times in eight years.