In a heated exchange following his inaugural prayer service, President Donald Trump labeled Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington as “nasty” for her remarks urging him to show compassion towards LGBTQ youth and undocumented immigrants. The incident unfolded during a service held on January 21 at the Washington National Cathedral, where Budde delivered a poignant sermon that resonated with many but drew sharp criticism from the newly inaugurated president.

Bishop’s plea for mercy

During her sermon, Bishop Budde directly appealed to Trump, stating, “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” She highlighted the fears faced by gay, lesbian, and transgender children across political lines, emphasizing that many are terrified for their safety.

Budde also described undocumented immigrants as valuable members of society, asserting that “the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.”

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Her comments came just a day after Trump signed several executive orders that rolled back protections for transgender individuals and tightened immigration policies. Budde’s sermon marked a rare moment of direct political engagement during a traditionally non-partisan event.

Trump’s response

In response to Budde’s remarks, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express his discontent. He accused her of being a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and criticized her tone as “nasty,” stating that she brought her church into the realm of politics in an “ungracious way.” He further claimed that her sermon was “very boring and uninspiring,” insisting that she and her church owed the public an apology.

Additionally, Trump dismissed Budde’s assertion regarding immigrants, arguing that she failed to mention the dangers posed by illegal migrants. He stated, “Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions. It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA.”

A divided reaction

The exchange has sparked significant debate on social media, with many praising Budde for her courage to speak out while others supported Trump’s criticism. As public divs continue to weigh in on the matter, it highlights the growing tensions surrounding issues of immigration and LGBTQ rights under Trump’s administration.

Following the service, when asked by reporters about his thoughts on the sermon, Trump remarked, “Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service. They can do much better.”

As Trump embarks on his second term as president, this incident underscores the contentious relationship between his administration and various faith leaders who advocate for marginalized communities. With ongoing discussions about immigration reform and LGBTQ rights at the forefront of national discourse, Bishop Budde’s call for compassion may resonate with many as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.