Trump responds to bishop’s confronting inaugural prayer sermon

The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was a moment that captured the attention of millions, not only in the United States but also globally. People from all corners of the world tuned in to witness this significant event unfold.

Amid the series of ceremonies and events marking the occasion, one particular moment drew considerable attention: a sermon delivered during the inaugural prayer service. This speech sparked discussions and even controversy due to the themes it touched upon, which many found surprising given the context.

On Tuesday, at Washington’s National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde gave a sermon that left many in attendance and those watching astonished. During her 15-minute address, she directed some of her remarks specifically to President Donald Trump, making heartfelt appeals and addressing pressing social issues.

“Mr. President, let me make one final plea,” Bishop Budde said toward the conclusion of her sermon. “Millions have placed their trust in you. As you stated yesterday, you have experienced the guiding hand of a loving God. In God’s name, I implore you to show mercy to those in our nation who are currently living in fear.” As she made this statement, she seemed to fix her gaze on the president.

She continued by highlighting the anxieties faced by marginalized groups, saying, “There are children—gay, lesbian, and transgender—within families of all political affiliations: Democratic, Republican, and independent. Many of these children are living in fear for their lives.” This comment appeared to reference concerns raised by members of the LGBTQIA+ community regarding the potential impact of Trump’s policies.

The timing of the sermon was notable, as it came just one day after President Trump issued a series of executive orders. These included a controversial directive affirming “biological distinctions between men and women,” a declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, and several immigration-related measures, including one aimed at ending birthright citizenship.

Bishop Budde did not shy away from addressing these actions directly. In her sermon, she urged President Trump to consider the humanity of those affected by these policies. “The individuals who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work late-night shifts in hospitals—many of them may not hold citizenship or proper documentation. However, the vast majority are not criminals. They contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are good neighbors,” she said.

This was not the first time Budde had publicly criticized Trump. In 2020, she gained national attention after Trump posed for a photo outside St. John’s Episcopal Church, holding a Bible, while law enforcement used chemical agents to disperse protesters advocating for racial justice nearby. At the time, Budde expressed her disapproval, stating, “Everything he has done and said has only served to incite violence. We need moral leadership, and instead, he has sown division.”

During the sermon, both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance sat in silence, showing little reaction. However, not everyone remained quiet. Republican Representative Mike Collins from Georgia took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “The person delivering this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”

In the closing moments of her sermon, Budde made a final plea. “I urge you, Mr. President, to show mercy to those in our communities whose children are terrified of losing their parents. Extend compassion to those fleeing war and persecution in their homelands, seeking refuge here. Our faith calls us to be merciful to strangers, for we were once strangers in this land ourselves.”

When asked about his thoughts on the sermon later, President Trump offered a curt response to reporters at the White House, saying, “I didn’t think it was a good service.”

What’s your take on Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon during President Trump’s inaugural prayer service? Share your thoughts and discuss this with others to hear their perspectives.