Trump Criticizes Bishop Who Asked Him to 'Have Mercy' on Migrants, LGBTQ People During National Prayer Service

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President Donald Trump on Wednesday denounced Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who urged the Republican to show “mercy” to immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community during a national prayer service.

Budde’s Message: “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples.”

Trump's Response: On Truth Social, Trump called Budde a “so-called Bishop” and a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.” He added: “She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people... Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”

About Bishop Budde: Budde is the first woman to serve as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She wrote an opinion article published in The New York Times, saying she was “outraged” that Trump allegedly “used sacred symbols” while promoting policies she believes contradict the Bible.

How The Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) reported that “Budde has been open about her opposition to Trump in the past,” pointing to a 2020 video clip where she said, “We need to replace President Trump.” The New York Times (Lean Left) interviewed Budde, who said she decided to speak directly to Trump because “of the fear that I have seen and experienced among our people — people that I know and love, both within the immigrant community and within the LGBTQ community, and how terrified so many are.” 

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The Right Rev Mariann Edgar Budde made headlines this week after she used her sermon on Tuesday at the National Cathedral prayer service for the inauguration to implore Donald Trump to “have mercy upon” immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Budde, 65, is the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She has been leading the diocese since her election to the role in 2011. Before that, she served as the rector of St John’s Episcopal church in Minneapolis for 18 years.

President Donald Trump blasted Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, after she directed politically charged remarks towards him during an interfaith service of prayer for the country at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, the day after Trump's inauguration. "Let me make one final plea, Mr. President," she said. "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and [transgender] children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who...

President Donald Trump has hit back at Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who criticized his policies during her Tuesday sermon at the national prayer service in Washington, D.C. Writing on Truth Social after midnight on Wednesday, Trump called the bishop "very ungracious" and "not very good at her job." Budde confronted him during the event over his policies on immigration and transgender rights. Newsweek has contacted the White House and Budde via email for comment. Trump's reaction is another example of his administration being at odds with prominent religious leaders over...