Washington, D.C. – In the wake of an inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, labeling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” for her comments made during the ceremony.
The prayer service, held the day after Trump’s inauguration, was intended to be an interfaith gathering to pray for unity and national healing. However, it quickly turned into a political flashpoint when Bishop Budde, of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, used her sermon to address President Trump directly.
In her sermon, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde pleaded with Trump to show “mercy” and compassion towards the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers. She highlighted the fears among these groups, including children from diverse political families who fear for their lives and immigrants who contribute positively to society. “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” she said. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
Trump’s response was swift and scathing. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he lambasted the bishop for bringing “her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way.” He described her sermon as “nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart,” further stating that the service itself was “very boring and uninspiring.” Trump demanded an apology from both Budde and her church for what he perceived as an inappropriate politicization of the religious service.
The incident has reignited debates about the intersection of religion, politics, and public life in America. Critics of Trump’s reaction argue that the President should embrace criticism and calls for compassion, especially in a setting meant for spiritual reflection. They see his response as indicative of a broader intolerance towards dissent and a refusal to engage with issues of social justice from a moral standpoint.
On the other hand, supporters of Trump’s retort argue that religious leaders should not use platforms like an inaugural prayer service to make political statements or critique the President directly. They view Bishop Budde’s comments as an overstep, suggesting that such services should remain apolitical and focused on prayer for the nation’s well-being.
The service was not devoid of Trump’s allies; conservative evangelical leaders like Pastor Robert Jeffress and televangelist Paula White-Cain were present, though notably not given speaking roles. This absence has led to discussions about inclusivity versus political alignment in national religious ceremonies.
The clash has also highlighted the broader divisions within the American Episcopal Church and other denominations regarding political activism, particularly in relation to social issues like immigration and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Bishop Budde’s stance aligns with a more progressive segment of the church, which has often been at odds with Trump’s policies.
This event underscores the ongoing tension between political rhetoric and the pursuit of spiritual unity, a tension that seems only to deepen in the polarized landscape of American politics. As Trump’s administration moves forward, how religious leaders and ceremonies will navigate or engage with this political environment remains an open question, one that this incident has thrust into the national conversation once more.
