• Bishop Mariann Budde recently made a plea for mercy to President Trump during a prayer service, urging compassion for LGBTQ+ people and immigrants.
• Trump criticized Budde, calling her a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" and demanded an apology for her remarks.
• Despite the backlash from the president and Republican allies, Budde has refused to apologize, stating, "I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others."
• The bishop emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue and the importance of recognizing the humanity of marginalized communities.
• A significant number of supporters have rallied behind Budde, endorsing her call for compassion amid rising tensions in U.S. political discourse.

In a recent prayer service at the National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde specifically addressed President Trump, urging him to "have mercy" on the LGBTQ+ community and immigrants, many of whom she said are fearful for their lives. The remarks sparked a swift and harsh backlash from Trump, who described Budde as a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" on his social media platform The Hill. In his reaction, he claimed that her performance during the prayer service was "uninspiring" and deemed her tone "nasty," demanding an apology on behalf of the public.

In response to Trump's criticisms, Budde has publicly stood by her statements, stating emphatically, "I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others." She reiterated to various media outlets, including an interview with Time and NPR, that her intention was to reflect the fear experienced by marginalized groups under Trump’s administration, especially in light of his executive actions aimed at restricting transgender rights and tightening immigration policies.

Bishop Budde highlighted that her plea was meant to remind others of the humanity of the terrified individuals she spoke for, emphasizing that most immigrants are "not criminals" and that many contribute positively to their communities. She also remarked on the culture of contempt that often surrounds political discourse, stating that it leads to immediate outrage rather than respectful discussions.

As she faces continued criticism from Republican lawmakers and supporters of Trump, who have suggested extreme responses, including calls for her deportation from the U.S., Budde remains hopeful that her call for mercy resonates with those who prioritize compassion and dignity. In her words, "the culture of contempt is threatening to destroy us," and she seeks a unifying dialogue amidst these societal challenges.

For more detailed information, visit The Hill.