President Donald Trump has lashed out at Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde following her sermon at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday, criticizing her remarks as “nasty in tone” and demanding an apology. The bishop had directly addressed Trump’s policies, particularly their impact on LGBTQ+ people and immigrant families.
Related: Watch a bishop scold Donald Trump about attacks on LGBTQ+ and immigrants during inaugural prayer service
In a post on his Truth Social platform, made after midnight on Wednesday, Trump described Budde as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accused her of bringing “her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way.” He also labeled the service as “boring and uninspiring,” adding, “She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
Budde’s sermon at Washington National Cathedral highlighted the struggles faced by marginalized communities under Trump’s administration. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives,” Budde said. She defended immigrants by emphasizing that “the vast majority are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.”
Trump’s response came hours after signing an executive order eliminating federal recognition of transgender and nonbinary identities, a measure that has drawn widespread condemnation from civil rights groups.
Republican Georgia U.S. Rep. Mike Collins echoed Trump’s sentiments on social media the previous day, calling for Budde to be “added to the deportation list” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Collins’ comment referred to Trump’s new immigration measures, including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy and suspending the CBP One app, which facilitates appointments for immigration proceedings.
During the prayer service, Budde urged Trump to show mercy, warning of the fear and uncertainty his policies have instilled in many communities. “May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being,” she said in her closing remarks.
Trump later dismissed the sermon to reporters, calling it “not too exciting” and expressing his belief that “they can do much better.”
The Advocate has contacted Budde for comment but has not yet received a response.
