During the inaugural prayer service at Washington's National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a heartfelt sermon directly addressing President Donald Trump, urging him to “have mercy” on communities affected by his policies. Budde's remarks came on a day when Trump had signed several executive orders that sparked debate regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ issues.

As Trump sat in the front pew alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Budde said, “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you. 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” and called on Trump to recognize the struggles of immigrant families in the U.S. who may not have proper documentation. Budde noted, “The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes, and are good neighbors,” urging Trump to show kindness to those whose families are at risk of being torn apart.

Responses to her sermon have been mixed. Trump later described the service as “not too exciting” and criticized Budde, stating she was “nasty in tone” and “not compelling.” He labeled her a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" for bringing politics into the church setting and called for an apology from her. His statements have ignited discussions on social media, with some supporting Budde's message while others condemned her remarks.

This exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and various religious leaders, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Budde's sermon comes in the wake of Trump's executive actions designed to target these communities, igniting widespread criticism and prompting calls for compassion from various quarters. The Nature of the service, traditionally a time for prayer and blessing, took a political turn as Budde made her appeal during a moment of national introspection.

Bishop Budde, who has been outspoken on social justice issues, noted the importance of compassion during her sermon, reminding the congregation that “our God teaches us to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land.” Her plea for empathy continues to resonate in discussions surrounding the current political climate, as both sides of the spectrum respond to the tensions at play.

For more details, read the original articles from The Hill, HuffPost, and USA Today.