Bishop Urges Mercy for Immigrants, LGBTQ+ at Trump's Inauguration

During a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral marking Donald Trump's inauguration, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a poignant plea for mercy towards immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals. She emphasized that many of these people, including children, live in fear due to Trump's policies and urged him to consider their humanity. Trump's reaction was dismissive; he criticized Budde's sermon as unexciting and labeled her remarks as nasty and politically charged. He further claimed that her statements ignored the dangers posed by illegal migrants and called for an apology from her and her church. The exchange highlights a stark contrast between Budde’s compassionate message and Trump's hardline stance on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. This incident reflects the ongoing tensions between faith leaders advocating for mercy and the current administration's policies.