A surprising moment came at the National Prayer Service on Donald Trump’s first full day as president. Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, gave a bold sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, speaking about LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and compassion. Addressing Trump directly, she said, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country that are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
Sitting in the front row beside First Lady Melania Trump, President Trump remained calm but looked tired after a long day of events, while others in the congregation seemed uneasy. Bishop Budde spoke passionately about undocumented immigrants, saying, “The people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals, they might not be citizens or have the proper documentation. The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.” She urged Trump to think about the children impacted by his policies, pleading, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”
The cathedral, a place of unity and prayer, became a stage for a tense and emotional moment. Trump stayed silent during the bishop’s remarks but later told reporters at the White House, “What did you think? Did you like it? Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service, no.”
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While Trump avoided direct criticism, his supporters were outspoken, with Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) posting on social media, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list. pic.twitter.com/d7a2z1CM6s
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) January 21, 2025
The bishop’s speech reignited debates about Trump’s policies on LGBTQ+ rights and undocumented immigrants. Her words reflected views she had shared before, especially during Trump’s first term. Back then, she strongly criticized his photo-op holding a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church after protesters were forcibly cleared from Lafayette Square, saying, “Trump’s actions are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything we as a church stand for.” She also joined Black Lives Matter protests, standing for justice and equality.
Reverend Budde’s bold message to Trump stood out as a rare and direct challenge in a sacred space meant for unity and reflection. Her sermon criticized his policies, calling for “mercy upon the people in our country that are scared now,” including immigrants and LGBTQ+ children. While Trump remained stony-faced, her powerful words reminded many of the church’s role in speaking up for the vulnerable. It was a striking moment of courage and compassion, urging leaders to embrace values like mercy and justice that rise above politics.
Featured image via Screengrab
