Trump Asks Apology from Bishop over Plea for Mercy Toward LGBTQ+ & Migrants/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump criticized Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde after her sermon at his inaugural prayer service called for compassion toward LGBTQ+ people and undocumented migrants. Trump labeled her remarks as “nasty” and demanded an apology, claiming the service lacked inspiration and accused Budde of politicizing the pulpit.
Trump vs. Bishop Budde: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Reaction: Calls Budde a “Trump hater” after her appeal for compassion toward marginalized groups.
- Bishop’s Sermon: Focused on unity, asking Trump to show mercy to LGBTQ+ people and migrants.
- Criticism of the Service: Trump deemed the event “uninspiring” and accused Budde of using the pulpit for politics.
- Evangelical Presence: Key Trump evangelical supporters attended but did not speak during the service.
- Inaugural Tradition: The service, emphasizing national unity, marked a departure from previous administrations.
Trump Asks Apology from Bishop over Plea for Mercy Toward LGBTQ+ & Migrants
Deep Look
President Donald Trump escalated tensions with the Episcopal Church following his attendance at the Washington National Cathedral’s inaugural prayer service. The controversy stems from a sermon by Bishop Mariann Budde, who urged Trump to show compassion for LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented migrants, prompting a heated response from the president.
Bishop’s Call for Mercy
During her sermon, Budde referenced Trump’s belief in divine intervention during his survival of an assassination attempt and appealed for mercy:
“You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Her comments highlighted themes of compassion and unity, drawing from Deuteronomy 10:17-21, which emphasizes caring for the vulnerable. Budde’s message aligned with the service’s focus on bridging division rather than endorsing partisan agendas.
Trump’s Sharp Response
Trump lashed out at Budde on his Truth Social platform, calling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accusing her of politicizing the pulpit.
“She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone and not compelling or smart,” Trump wrote.
He added that Budde and the Episcopal Church owed the public an apology, criticizing the service as “boring and uninspiring.” Trump also accused Budde of omitting the harm he claims some migrants have caused.
Unity vs. Division
The prayer service, attended by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and GOP leadership, aimed to emphasize national unity over partisanship. The Very Rev. Randy Hollerith, dean of the cathedral, described the event as a unique moment to pray for the country’s well-being rather than advancing political agendas.
More than a dozen clergy members from diverse faiths participated, though evangelical leaders—key Trump supporters—were notably absent from the speaking program. Evangelicals like Robert Jeffress, Paula White-Cain, and Lorenzo Sewell attended but did not take the pulpit.
Historic Inaugural Services
The Washington National Cathedral has hosted inaugural prayer services for presidents since 1933. While sermons often align with an administration’s values, Budde’s remarks diverged by directly addressing concerns over Trump’s policies on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration.
Budde has a history of criticizing Trump, including denouncing his 2020 Bible photo-op outside St. John’s Episcopal Church after the removal of peaceful protesters. Her latest comments further cement her stance as a vocal critic of Trump’s rhetoric and policies.
Diverse Reactions
The sermon sparked mixed reactions on social media. Supporters praised Budde for “naming the truth” and challenging Trump, while critics accused her of undermining the spirit of the event. Evangelical pastor Robert Jeffress tweeted that Budde had “insulted rather than encouraged our great president,” noting audience “disgust” at her remarks.
Music and Ceremony
Trump thanked many clergy members as they processed past him but notably did not acknowledge Budde.
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