During the inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde appealed to President Donald Trump to show compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants. She specifically urged him to “have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now,” highlighting the fears of gay, lesbian, and transgender children, as well as immigrant families.
In response, President Trump criticized Bishop Budde’s remarks, labeling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and demanding an apology. He described her tone as “nasty” and claimed that the service was “very boring and uninspiring.”
Bishop Budde has been a vocal advocate for marginalized communities and has previously criticized President Trump, notably in 2020 when she condemned his use of force against peaceful protesters outside a church.
