Bishop Mariann Budde, during an inaugural prayer service, made a heartfelt plea to President Trump for compassion towards marginalized communities, specifically addressing the fears of LGBTQ+ individuals and the immigration debate. Her remarks prompted visible discomfort from Trump and others present. Following the service, Trump criticized both the event and Budde's comments, labeling her as a 'radical left Trump hater' and demanded an apology. Despite the controversy, Budde affirmed her commitment to prayer for the president, reflecting her Episcopal values and the ongoing tensions between faith and politics.
"Let me make one final plea, Mr. President... I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now," she said.
"The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals, calling them 'good neighbors' and 'faithful members' of religious communities."
At the White House afterward, Trump said he 'didn't think it was a good service,' later calling Budde a 'Radical Left hard line Trump hater'.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Budde said she would continue to pray for the president, as is custom in Episcopal worship.
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