President Donald Trump issued a strong response to remarks made by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde during the National Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral on Tuesday. The interfaith ceremony, traditionally a non-political event, became a platform for what Trump described as “radical left” commentary targeting his administration’s policies.
Bishop Budde, a prominent figure within the Episcopal Church, used her sermon to address concerns over LGBTQ+ rights and immigration under the Trump administration.
“In the name of a loving God, to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
She continued, highlighting the contributions of undocumented immigrants:
“The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors… May I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away,” Budde stated, adding, “And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings… They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation.”
In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Budde’s remarks, describing