Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used her sermon at the National Cathedral on Tuesday to make a heartfelt plea to President Donald Trump. Speaking directly to the Trump, she urged compassion for marginalized communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ individuals, but her message seemed to fall on deaf ears.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Bishop Budde said passionately. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families—some who fear for their lives.”
The bishop also called attention to the good of immigrants, challenging negative stereotypes spewed by Trump and his allies.
“The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she emphasized. “May I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away?”
Trump’s Reaction Sparks Conversation
As Bishop Budde delivered her plea, President Trump’s reaction was impossible to ignore. His expression turned stoic, and the visible discomfort on his family members’ faces added to the tension in the room.
The weird moment comes as part of the long-standing tradition of the National Cathedral’s prayer service, held the day after Inauguration Day. Since 1993, this multi-faith gathering has provided a platform for religious leaders to address the incoming administration, fostering reflection and unity.
The video quickly went viral, with social media users weighing in on Trump’s response—or lack thereof. Some praised Bishop Budde for speaking truth to power, while others criticized the moment as being overly political for a prayer service.
