At a recent inaugural prayer service at the National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde made a passionate appeal to President Donald Trump to show compassion for immigrant families and LGBTQ+ individuals. Her remarks sparked a significant response, especially from Trump, who deemed her tone "nasty" and labeled her a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater," according to a report by The Hill.

During her sermon, Budde emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of marginalized groups, stating, "I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. There are gay, lesbian, transgender children... families who fear for their lives." She urged Trump to reconsider his stance on immigration, noting that most immigrants contribute positively to society, "not criminals" but "good neighbors." Budde asserted that her message aimed to remind those in power of their moral obligations towards the vulnerable in society. In her words, “Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land,” as reported by The Guardian.

Trump's reaction came swiftly, declaring the service "boring" and asking for an apology from Budde and her church. He specifically criticized her for blending ecclesiastical and political discourse in what he characterized as an ungracious manner. Budde, however, stood firm on her view of the service's purpose, stressing the need to advocate for those depicted unfairly in political narratives. In a follow-up interview, she explained her motivation: "There is room for mercy, there’s room for a broader compassion," highlighting the necessity of understanding the fears faced by many immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals in America.

This incident is not an isolated one; Budde has previously been outspoken in her criticism of Trump's actions, particularly in response to the events surrounding George Floyd's death in 2020. She condemned Trump's use of religious symbols during demonstrations, declaring that he was espousing positions that contradicted Biblical values. Renowned figures have rallied to her side, with civil rights leader Bernice King praising the courage Budde displayed in addressing Trump about justice and compassion.

As this dialogue continues to unfold, Budde’s message remains starkly relevant, pushing back against narratives that portray vulnerable communities in an unfavorable light. The fallout from her remarks has invigorated discussions about the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice—a theme that increasingly resonates in today’s society.

For more on this developing story, you can read the full articles from The Hill and The Guardian.