President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, following her direct remarks to him during a national prayer service in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
The exchange has drawn attention for its rare direct confrontation of a sitting president in such a formal setting.
Trump took to Truth Social early Wednesday morning, writing, “She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!” His comments came after Budde used her sermon to challenge the president on his policies targeting marginalized communities.
The national prayer service, held at the Washington National Cathedral, is a longstanding tradition for newly inaugurated presidents.
Budde’s sermon addressed the president directly, urging him to reconsider policies that she argued were harmful to vulnerable populations.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said, speaking to Trump as he sat in the front row alongside his family and Vice President JD Vance.
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She highlighted concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals, undocumented immigrants, and refugees, stating, “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children, and Democratic and Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
Budde also emphasized the plight of undocumented immigrants and refugees, urging compassion for those who contribute to society or seek safety in the United States.
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities — these children fear that their parents will be taken away,” she said.
“And that you help those that are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands find compassion and welcome here.”
Budde’s remarks came a day after Trump signed a series of executive orders in his first hours in office.
These included measures cracking down on immigration, rolling back protections for transgender individuals, and initiating efforts to challenge birthright citizenship. Some of these policies have already faced legal challenges.
Her direct address drew both praise and criticism. Supporters lauded her courage to speak out against policies they viewed as harmful, while Trump’s allies were quick to defend the president.
Among the critics was Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., who made a controversial comment calling for Budde, an American citizen, to be “added to the deportation list.”
The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list. pic.twitter.com/d7a2z1CM6s
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) January 21, 2025
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Trump appeared dismissive of the prayer service and its message.
Upon returning to the White House, he told reporters, “I didn’t think it was a good service. They can do much better.” He described the event as “not too exciting.”
Budde has not publicly responded to Trump’s criticism or the backlash following her sermon.
Her remarks, however, have sparked a broader conversation about the role of religious leaders in addressing political and social issues.
As debates over Trump’s early executive actions continue, the exchange highlights the tensions between his administration’s policies and calls for compassion from faith leaders.
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