President Donald Trump has called for an apology from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the National Cathedral following her remarks during the inauguration prayer service. The Bishop’s sermon, which emphasized compassion for marginalized groups, including transgender children and immigrant families, drew sharp criticism from Trump, who labeled her comments as “nasty” and politically motivated.
Trump’s Response
In a lengthy Truth Social post early Wednesday, Trump expressed strong disapproval of Bishop Budde’s message, accusing her of bringing politics into a sacred event. He characterized her remarks as “nasty in tone” and “not compelling or smart,” claiming that her comments demonstrated a bias against him and his policies.
“The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hardline Trump hater. 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.
The former president also criticized Budde for failing to address issues he deemed significant, including crimes allegedly committed by undocumented migrants. “She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions,” Trump added. He further dismissed the service as “boring and uninspiring,” calling on Budde and the National Cathedral to issue a public apology.
Bishop Budde’s Plea
During her sermon, Bishop Budde made a direct appeal to Trump, urging him to show compassion and mercy for vulnerable groups. Addressing Trump while he sat in the front pew, she said, “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. There are gay, lesbian, transgender children, Democratic, Republican, independent families — some who fear for their lives.”
Budde’s comments extended to the plight of immigrant workers, many of whom she described as integral to the nation’s workforce and communities. “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,” she stated.
She further highlighted the fear experienced by children of undocumented immigrants, noting, “They fear their parents are going to be taken away.” Budde also called on Trump to aid people fleeing war zones and persecution.
Reactions from Trump and Allies
Trump’s criticism of the Bishop was not limited to his social media post. Upon returning to the White House after the prayer service, he told reporters that the event “wasn’t too exciting.” He added, “They can do much better.”
Other Republicans have echoed Trump’s disapproval of Budde’s remarks. Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) took to social media to criticize the Bishop, suggesting on X (formerly Twitter) that she “should be added to the deportation list.”
Trump’s Executive Actions
The controversy comes on the heels of Trump signing a series of executive orders aimed at addressing immigration and gender identity policies. Among the orders was a directive recognizing only two sexes — male and female — and another that paused refugee admissions for at least three months. Trump also reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” program, requiring asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico until their U.S. immigration court dates. Additionally, he announced plans to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and shut down the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) One app, which had facilitated appointments for immigration proceedings.
Conclusion
The sharp exchange between Trump and Bishop Budde underscores the deep political and cultural divisions in the country. While Budde’s sermon highlighted compassion and inclusivity, Trump’s response reflected his firm stance on immigration and social policies. As the fallout continues, it remains to be seen how this clash will resonate with the broader public and within the religious community.
