Bishop’s Bold Plea to President Trump at Inaugural Interfaith Service
During the opening interfaith service held at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, what began as a standard ceremony filled with prayers and hymns took a poignant turn. The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, after giving her sermon, veered from her prepared remarks to directly address President Donald Trump, who was present in the congregation.
Bishop Budde referenced a statement made by President Trump the previous day, where he recounted that a divine intervention saved him during an assassination attempt in July when a bullet grazed his ear. Seizing this moment, she implored Trump, urging him to extend compassion and mercy towards those in the nation who currently live in fear.
Highlighting the diverse anxieties within the nation, Budde mentioned, “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender youth across families of all political beliefs, some of whom are genuinely afraid for their safety. We also have hardworking individuals—the ones picking our crops, cleaning our offices, working in meatpacking plants, washing our dishes, and covering night shifts at hospitals. Many of these people are immigrants, often without the necessary legal documents, but it is critical to understand that being undocumented does not equate to criminal behavior.”
Budde continued her heartfelt plea, “Mr. President, please show mercy to those in our communities who live with the constant fear that their families might be torn apart. Assist those who escape wars and persecution in their homelands to find a sense of safety and acceptance in our country,” she advocated, speaking as the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C.
The occasion for Bishop Budde’s bold address was marked by President Trump’s aggressive policy actions, notably signing 26 executive orders on his first day back in office for his second term. These included controversial orders such as ending birthright citizenship, which has since faced significant legal challenges, and a temporary halt on refugee admissions, causing despair among those awaiting asylum. The President also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, labeling migrant crossings as an “invasion,” and affirmed the federal recognition of only two genders.
In her compelling speech, Budde expressed, “May God give us the fortitude and bravery to respect the inherent dignity of all individuals, to lovingly speak truths to each other, and to humbly walk alongside one another and our God for the betterment of everyone in this nation and the world.”
Throughout Budde’s address, President Trump maintained his gaze on her, although he appeared visibly perturbed at times. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, also reacted during the speech; the Vice President seemed particularly struck when Budde emphasized that the majority of immigrants are not criminals.
After the service, Trump shared his less than enthusiastic opinion with reporters, remarking, “I didn’t find the service very exciting. They could have done much better.”
Democratic strategist Keith Edwards lauded Bishop Budde’s courage for addressing the President directly, especially on such sensitive issues. On Bluesky, a social media platform, Edwards praised her for “confronting Trump’s fascism right to his face,” highlighting the significance of her actions.
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