President Donald Trump has hit back at Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who criticized his policies during her Tuesday sermon at the national prayer service in Washington, D.C.
Writing on Truth Social after midnight on Wednesday, Trump called the bishop “very ungracious” and “not very good at her job.”
Budde confronted him during the event over his policies on immigration and transgender rights.
Newsweek has contacted the White House and Budde via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump’s reaction is another example of his administration being at odds with prominent religious leaders over his stance on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
While Trump is a dominant political force among evangelical and conservative Christians, he has faced criticism from the Pope, the former Archbishop of Canterbury in the U.K. and progressive mainline protestants in the U.S.
What To Know
During the national prayer service, Bishop Budde delivered a sermon urging Trump to show “mercy” to immigrants and transgender children affected by his policies.
Budde directly addressed Trump, reminding him that most immigrants “are not criminals” and pleading for compassion for those fearing deportation or discrimination.
Trump responded on Truth Social, referring to Budde as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accusing her of bringing politics into the church “in a very ungracious way.”
Trump criticized the service, calling it “boring and uninspiring,” and demanded an apology from Budde and her church.
The event, held at the Washington National Cathedral, included an interfaith prayer for the nation and drew national attention after a video of Budde’s remarks circulated online.
Budde became the first female bishop of Washington in 2011 and has been an outspoken advocate for social justice issues.
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard line Trump hater. She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions. It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA. Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology! t”
Budde said during the service: “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.
“There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples.”
What Happens Next
Trump is expected to advance his policies against illegal immigrants and transgender people, while Budde will likely continue addressing social issues in her sermons.
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