President Trump attended a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday. Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used the occasion to advocate for immigrants and LGBTQ rights. The sermon came after Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown on Monday when he signed executive orders tightening border security and restricting asylum. He also issued executive orders to dismantle DEI programs. Budde said,
“There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
She also urged mercy for immigrants, highlighting their vital contributions to the U.S. economy. She emphasized, “They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.” Trump, however, appeared visibly displeased during the sermon, calling it “boring.” He also called Budde “nasty” and criticized her on Truth Social, calling her a “so-called Bishop” and a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.” Budde’s remarks went viral on social media, and then Billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk jumped in echoing Trump’s sentiments, saying,
“She got the woke mind virus real bad.”
Trump 2.0’s approach and policies have stoked fear among immigrant families and queer individuals. Budde’s message reminded Trump of the moral obligation to protect vulnerable communities. She concluded saying,
“I ask you to have mercy. Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands…Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger.”
Trump, the GOP and a very conservative Supreme Court invoke God and faith based rights over others. It appears that it depends on whose “so-called” religion and faith in god you are protecting.
