Trump Demands Apology After Bishop Makes Targets Him During Sermon

In a now-familiar pattern, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, in the early hours of Wednesday to express outrage over remarks made during an interfaith service. His target? Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, who urged the president to show “mercy” to immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Tuesday service, held at the historic Washington National Cathedral, featured leaders from various faiths. Budde, addressing Trump directly from the pulpit, appealed for empathy toward vulnerable groups.

“Mr. President,” she said, her voice steady yet solemn, “I urge you to have mercy on those in our communities who live in fear—immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and families torn apart by policies that lack compassion.”

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde: "The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors…may I ask you to have mercy Mr. President on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away." pic.twitter.com/iXaHJrPsof

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 21, 2025

The service, which included Vice President J.D. Vance and their families, sought unity in a divided political climate.

Trump Fires Back

By 1 a.m., Trump was online. “Radical Left Bishop Mariann Budde—another Trump hater—was nasty and uninspiring,” he wrote. “She failed to mention the real problems in our country: illegal immigrants causing crime and a massive wave of lawlessness.”

Trump also criticized the tone of the service, calling it “boring” and “politically charged.” He concluded, “She and her church owe the public an apology!”

Fact-Checking the Claims

Despite Trump’s allegations, violent crime rates have significantly declined over the past three years, according to FBI statistics. Research from the Cato Institute also shows undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans.

Budde, meanwhile, has consistently advocated for justice and inclusion. According to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, she works to address racial equity, gun violence prevention, and environmental care.

Bishop Budde Responds

In a measured response during a CNN interview, Budde stood by her remarks. “The president has the power to uplift or to harm,” she said. “I spoke from my heart, urging compassion. That’s my role as a faith leader.”

When asked if she anticipated Trump’s backlash, Budde smiled faintly. “He’s free to express himself. My duty is to speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

Historical Tensions Between Church and Trump

This isn’t the first clash between Trump and Budde. In 2020, she condemned his use of St. John’s Episcopal Church as a backdrop for a photo op during racial justice protests, calling it “an abuse of sacred space.”

Trump’s complex relationship with religion has drawn scrutiny. Raised Presbyterian, he now identifies as a non-denominational Christian. Critics argue his actions often diverge from the values he claims to uphold.

Public Reaction

Reactions to the feud were polarized. Progressive groups praised Budde for challenging Trump directly. “We need more leaders like her,” tweeted civil rights activist Rev. William Barber.

Trump supporters, however, accused her of overstepping. “She’s politicizing the pulpit!” one commenter wrote on Truth Social.

The Bigger Picture

While this latest spat may seem like another social media skirmish, it underscores deeper issues: the role of faith in politics, the rhetoric surrounding immigration, and the divisive nature of Trump’s presidency.

Budde ended her CNN interview with a message to all Americans: “Faith is not about division. It’s about bringing people together in hope and compassion. I pray we remember that.”

Trump, meanwhile, has yet to respond to her words—at least not in all caps.