United States President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday criticized a bishop who publicly urged him to extend compassion toward immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.
During the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and their families, Right Rev. Mariann Budde delivered a sermon urging compassion for marginalized groups.
She appealed to the president to show mercy to immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the fears faced by many under his administration’s policies.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said, referencing “gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families.” She also emphasized that “most immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.”
Her remarks came after Trump, on his first day back in office, signed several executive orders, including one abolishing federal programs promoting diversity and rolling back protections for transgender people.
Other measures included ending birthright citizenship and declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, pledging what he called “the largest deportation program in American history.”
Budde’s words drew sharp criticism from Trump, who took to his Truth Social platform early Wednesday to respond.
He accused the bishop of political bias, calling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and saying, “She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.”
The president further attacked her omission of what he described as the dangers posed by illegal immigration.
“She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions,” he claimed.
Trump also dismissed the service as “boring and uninspiring,” adding, “She and her church owe the public an apology!”
Budde, who has clashed with Trump before, notably criticized his use of the Bible during racial justice protests in 2020, has not publicly responded to his comments.
In her sermon, she urged mercy for those she said were vulnerable, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, calling for leadership rooted in compassion.
While Trump sat expressionless during her address, he later told reporters he did not find the service “good.” Vice President Vance appeared visibly surprised by the bishop’s remarks.
