Bishop Mariann Budde Defends Mercy Plea to Trump During Inaugural Prayer Service
Episcopal Bishop of Washington Calls for Compassion for Immigrants and Vulnerable Groups Amid Controversy
WASHINGTON — Bishop Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, defended a heartfelt plea she made to President Donald Trump during a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday. The bishop had urged the president to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” speaking specifically about immigrants and marginalized communities.
In a Wednesday interview on MSNBC, Budde explained that the tone of her message was a direct response to the heated discussions surrounding immigrant populations at the time. She emphasized that her plea came from a place of concern for those who were vulnerable.
“We're in a particularly harsh moment now when it comes to conversations around immigrant populations in our midst,” Budde explained. “That was the reason for the tone I took.”
At the inaugural prayer service, Trump, who had attended the event, listened as Budde made an appeal for mercy. She spoke about the fear faced by gay, lesbian, and transgender children, some of whom, she said, were “afraid for their lives.”
“I wanted to make, as you heard, a plea, a request that he broaden his characterization of the people that are frightened now and are at risk of losing everything," Budde said, explaining her approach. "I thought that would be the more respectful way to say it."
In her sermon, Budde also addressed the topic of immigration, acknowledging that while some immigrants may lack citizenship or proper documentation, the majority are not criminals. She called for a broader understanding of immigrants, urging respect for the diverse group of people who make up the nation's fabric.
Budde continued in her Wednesday interview, explaining that her message was not only for the president but for all those who were listening, in hopes of fostering a more compassionate and inclusive view of immigrants and vulnerable groups. She urged listeners to remember the immigrant neighbors who contribute to the nation, calling on people to reflect on what it truly means to be American.
The day before the service, President Trump had signed a controversial executive order during his first day in office, which recognized only two genders and reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers. He also declared a national emergency at the southern border, potentially deploying military forces to enforce border security.
Trump responded to Budde's sermon in a post on Truth Social, calling her a “so-called Bishop” and a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the criticism, accusing Budde of using her pulpit to promote political views and demanding an apology for what she called “egregious” remarks.
Despite the backlash, Budde remained firm in her conviction. When asked about the negative response to her message, she called for respectful dialogue, regardless of disagreements. “You can certainly disagree with me,” Budde said, “but could we, as Americans and fellow children of God, speak to one another with respect?”
Her words aimed to shift the tone of the national conversation, calling for more understanding and compassion in a time of division.