POLITICAL

Trump looks on in disbelief as a progressive bishop criticizes him with claims about 'transgender children fearing for their lives.

January, 22, 2025-01:51

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Trump looks on in disbelief as a progressive bishop criticizes him with claims about 'transgender children fearing for their lives

President Donald Trump appeared visibly taken aback as he listened to a passionate sermon from Bishop Marianne Budde, who called for compassion toward illegal immigrants and transgender children during a traditional inaugural prayer service. On the first full day of Trump's presidency, Bishop Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, used the pulpit at Washington National Cathedral to deliver a pointed appeal, claiming that transgender children were “fearing for their lives” due to his presence in the Oval Office.

Sitting in the front row alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Trump maintained a stoic expression as the bishop addressed him directly. She urged him to show mercy toward vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and immigrant families. “I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she said. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families who fear for their lives.” Bishop Budde also made an emotional plea for undocumented immigrants, highlighting their contributions to society. “The people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals—they might not be citizens or have the proper documentation. The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she stated. “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on communities where children fear their parents will be taken away.” While Trump remained composed, his expression reflected weariness after the previous day’s inauguration festivities. Some members of the congregation appeared visibly uneasy as the bishop’s impassioned address unfolded.

Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a bold and impassioned address during the National Day of Prayer Service, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Second Lady Usha. Despite an awkward silence within the cathedral, Bishop Budde persisted with her pro-immigrant and social justice-themed sermon. “Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all strangers once in a strange land,” she proclaimed, urging compassion and action.

President Trump, while maintaining a composed demeanor, later refrained from directly criticizing the bishop’s remarks. When questioned about the service at the White House, he deflected, saying, “What did you think, did you like it? Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, was it? I think it was a great service.” However, the sermon sparked backlash among Republicans and Trump supporters. Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) posted on social media, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”

Bishop Budde, a known advocate for progressive causes, has long championed issues such as racial equity, gun violence prevention, LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigration reform, and environmental stewardship. Her official diocesan website highlights her activism and commitment to justice. The bishop also has a history of criticizing Trump during his presidency. One notable instance occurred when Trump held a Bible outside an Episcopal church after clearing protesters from Lafayette Square during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. At the time, Budde accused Trump of actions “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything that we as a church stand for.”

In 2020, she attended an outdoor Black Lives Matter protest, where she condemned Trump while adhering to pandemic safety measures. “I’ve given up speaking to President Trump. We need to replace President Trump,” she declared at the event. Her comments at the prayer service further underscored her commitment to advocating for justice, even in the face of political and public scrutiny.