Trump Slams Bishop’s Prayer Service Remarks, Demands Apology
President Trump harshly criticized Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the National Cathedral early Wednesday following her remarks during a prayer service held in conjunction with his inauguration. The bishop urged Trump to show compassion for transgender children and immigrant families, prompting a scathing response from the president.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: "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." pic.twitter.com/iXaHJrPsof
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 21, 2025
In a long post on Truth Social, Trump called Budde’s comments “nasty” and accused her of bringing politics into the church.
“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.
Trump went on to criticize her for failing to address what he described as a “giant crime wave” caused by illegal 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,” he added.
Calling the service “boring and uninspiring,” Trump also demanded an apology from Budde and the church, stating, “She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
Bishop’s Plea for Compassion
Earlier, Budde addressed Trump directly during her sermon, imploring him to show mercy to vulnerable communities.
“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 said.
She also mentioned the importance of the work of migrant workers, noting that “The people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work night shifts in hospitals — they may not be citizens or have proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.
Budde emphasized the fears of migrant children who worry about their families being torn apart and called on Trump to support refugees fleeing war and persecution.
Backlash from Trump and Allies
After returning to the White House, Trump dismissed the service as unremarkable, telling reporters, “They can do much better.”
Others joined Trump in condemning Budde’s remarks. Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) suggested on social media platform X that Budde “should be added to the deportation list.”
Executive Orders Spark Controversy
Trump’s criticism of Budde came as he signed a series of controversial executive orders on Monday. These included measures recognizing only two sexes—male and female—while also implementing stricter immigration policies.
Key orders included:
- Suspending all or part of refugee admissions for at least three months.
- Increasing detention capacity within the United States for migrants.
- “Remain in Mexico” is reinstated with the program that makes asylum-seekers stay in Mexico until their court dates.
- Birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants will be abolished.
CBP One application that permitted immigration appointments to take place would be shut down.
Trump’s moves to curb immigration and roll back previous policies have drawn sharp criticism and praise, further fueling debates over his presidency’s direction.
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