Trump answer to bishop’s attacking inaugural prayer sermon

The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States drew the attention of millions, not only within the United States but also worldwide, as they eagerly followed the proceedings.

Among the various events and ceremonies surrounding the inauguration, one particular moment has sparked considerable discussion. This moment was a sermon delivered during the inaugural prayer service, an address that broached unexpected topics for such a formal occasion.

During the prayer service held on Tuesday at Washington’s National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Church delivered remarks that left many attendees and viewers taken aback. Directly addressing President Trump, she made a series of appeals that highlighted pressing concerns in the nation.

Toward the end of her 15-minute sermon, Budde spoke directly to Trump, making an emotional request. "Let me make one final plea, Mr. President," she said. "Millions have placed their trust in you. As you mentioned yesterday, you have felt the guiding hand of a loving God. In the name of that God, I ask you to show compassion to those in our nation who are now living in fear." While speaking, she appeared to glance in the president’s direction.

Bishop Budde went on to highlight the fears faced by various communities, specifically addressing the concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals under the Trump administration. "There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children within families across the political spectrum—Democratic, Republican, and independent. Many of them are living in fear for their lives," she stated.

Her sermon followed the issuance of several executive orders by Trump the previous day, including one emphasizing the recognition of biological distinctions between men and women, another declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and others concerning immigration policy. One of the orders specifically aimed to end birthright citizenship, a controversial move.

In her address, Budde criticized these policies and appealed to the president’s sense of humanity. "The people who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and take night shifts in hospitals may lack citizenship or proper documentation, but most of them are not criminals," she said. "They pay taxes, contribute to our communities, and are good neighbors."

This was not the first time Budde had voiced criticism of Trump. In 2020, she publicly denounced his actions when he posed with a Bible outside a boarded-up St. John’s Episcopal Church, following law enforcement's use of chemical agents to disperse peaceful protesters advocating for racial justice. At the time, she issued a strong statement, saying, "Everything he has done has served to incite violence. We are in desperate need of moral leadership, and yet he has consistently chosen to divide us."

During the prayer service, President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance listened without revealing much emotion, maintaining stoic expressions throughout. However, not all attendees were as restrained. Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disdain, writing, "The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list."

As her sermon drew to a close, Budde made one final heartfelt plea to the president. "I urge you, Mr. President, to have mercy on families whose children live in fear that their parents may be taken away. I ask you to offer compassion to those fleeing war and persecution in their homelands and seeking refuge here. Our faith calls us to be merciful to strangers because, at one time, we too were strangers in this land."

When asked about his thoughts on the sermon afterward, Trump offered a blunt response, telling reporters at the White House, "I didn’t think it was a good service."

What are your thoughts on Bishop Mariann Budde’s powerful and controversial sermon at President Donald Trump’s inaugural prayer service? Share your opinions in the comments and spread the word to hear what others think.