At the inaugural prayer service held at the Washington National Cathedral, the Right Rev Mariann Budde delivered a stirring sermon that directly addressed President Donald Trump, urging him to show compassion towards marginalized communities. The service, a traditional event attended by presidents from both parties at the start of their term, saw Trump and First Lady Melania Trump seated in the front row. The atmosphere turned tense as Budde delivered her bold criticism of the president's newly signed executive orders.
In his first hours in office, President Trump rolled back protections for transgender Americans established during the Biden administration and laid the groundwork for mass deportations. Budde's sermon, an impassioned appeal for mercy, highlighted the adverse impact of these policies on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. She emphasized the significant contributions of immigrants to society, noting, "Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land."
Budde's words painted a vivid picture of the lives of immigrants who "pick our crops" and "work the night shift in hospitals," yet may lack citizenship or proper documentation. Her sermon underscored that "the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes, and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara and temples."
Trump, who has pledged to protect Americans' free speech rights during his presidency, listened stone-faced to Budde's sermon. Later, when asked about the service, he dismissed it as "not too exciting." His reaction mirrored past clashes with Budde, notably during his first term when she criticized his appearance in front of St John's Episcopal church in 2020. On that occasion, Trump held up a Bible after federal officers cleared peaceful protesters with force.
The service sparked controversy beyond the cathedral's walls. Georgia congressman Mike Collins suggested adding Budde to a deportation list due to her critical remarks about the president. This remark highlighted the divisive nature of the current political climate and the tensions surrounding immigration policies.