President Donald Trump wasted no time getting back into the swing of social media grievances after the pomp of Inauguration Day. His latest ire was directed at a prominent Episcopal bishop who dared to challenge his stance on compassion and inclusion during a high-profile church service.
The setting was the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral, a tradition following the presidential inauguration. Among the clergy offering prayers and reflections was Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. With Trump seated in the pews alongside Vice President JD Vance and their families, Budde made a pointed plea: “Have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” She urged compassion for marginalized groups, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.
DISGUSTING: At the National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral, WOKE Bishop Mariann Budde used her sermon to slam President Trump’s policies about illegal immigrants and trans children. pic.twitter.com/63T0bEqGLE
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 21, 2025
Trump, who never shies away from calling out critics, was unimpressed. After labeling the service as underwhelming and suggesting it “could do much better,” he turned to his favorite platform, Truth Social, in the early hours of the morning. His scathing critique called Budde a “Radical left hard line Trump hater” with a “nasty tone.” He went further, accusing her of politicizing religion and omitting what he described as pressing issues, including a supposed crime wave and violence linked to illegal immigration.
Trump SHREDS leftist activist bishop who lectured him on trans propaganda and border security pic.twitter.com/LTFrafrjCY
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 22, 2025
However, Trump’s claims about surging violent crime run contrary to reports. Statistics from ABC News indicate that violent crime rates have significantly dropped over the past three years, and research consistently shows that undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens.
Budde, known for her calm demeanor and advocacy for social justice, stood by her words. She explained on CNN that her appeal to Trump was rooted in the hope that he might embrace a broader sense of compassion. “I felt it was important to speak truthfully and directly,” she said.
NEW: The liberal activist bishop who told Trump to show “mercy” to LGBT kids, says she called out the president because it was her responsibility to “counter” him.
Your responsibility is not to turn a sermon into a political debate.
Bishop Mariann Budde joined CNN to double… pic.twitter.com/JQNoJCcgkz
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 22, 2025
While Trump demanded a public apology, claiming Budde had disrespected her faith by being “ungracious,” the bishop’s focus remains on justice and inclusion. Her leadership within the Episcopal Church has centered on racial equity, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental stewardship.
Despite the president’s trademark fiery rhetoric, there was one noticeable change: his critique lacked his usual all-caps exclamations. Even in outrage, restraint appeared—however momentarily.
As the nation’s leadership shifts into a new term, it seems clear that Trump’s penchant for personal battles and pointed social media commentary is here to stay. And for Bishop Budde, her message of compassion—whether embraced or rebuffed—remains firmly grounded in her mission to inspire reflection and change.