Trump reacts to bishop’s confronting prayer during his inauguration

President Trump shares his thoughts on the bishop’s powerful message at the inaugural ceremony.

Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at the inaugural prayer service for President Donald Trump left many surprised as she addressed controversial topics and directly appealed to the President for mercy and compassion.

On Tuesday, during the traditional inaugural prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde took the podium to deliver a sermon that has sparked significant conversation. Her message, which directly addressed President Donald Trump, touched on topics that many found unexpected for the occasion.

“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” Budde said during her 15-minute sermon, addressing Trump directly. “Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, 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 words were pointed, addressing vulnerable groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, and refugees, as well as children fearful of their families being separated.

Criticism of Trump’s policies

Budde’s sermon came just a day after Trump signed a series of executive orders, some of which reignited national debates. One order declared a national emergency at the southern border, another sought to end birthright citizenship, and a third focused on “recognizing biological distinctions between men and women.”

In her sermon, Budde criticized policies that she felt targeted marginalized groups. She specifically addressed the treatment of immigrants, saying:

“The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals—they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.”

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A history of tension

This is not the first time Budde has publicly spoken out against Trump. In 2020, she made headlines after condemning his use of St. John’s Episcopal Church as a photo-op backdrop during protests for racial justice. At the time, Budde accused Trump of inflaming division, saying, “We need moral leadership, and he’s done everything to divide us.”

Her criticism of Trump during his first term and now, at the beginning of his second, underscores her willingness to speak out even in high-profile moments like the inaugural prayer service.

Mixed reactions

While President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance remained composed throughout the service, reactions to Budde’s sermon were swift. Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, writing, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”

On the other hand, some praised Budde’s courage for delivering a sermon that many considered a call for compassion and unity. Social media users debated her approach, with some calling her message timely and others questioning whether it was appropriate for such an event.

Trump responds

When asked by reporters for his thoughts on the sermon, Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” His brief response left many wondering how the message resonated with him or if it would influence any of his policies moving forward.

Towards the end of her sermon, Budde urged Trump to consider the values of mercy and hospitality. “Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land,” she said, referencing biblical teachings.

Her words served as a reminder of the moral and ethical challenges ahead as the new administration begins its term.

What are your thoughts on Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon? Do you think it was an act of bravery or inappropriate for the occasion? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.

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