President Donald Trump has criticized Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde after she made a public appeal for him to show compassion toward immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community during his inaugural prayer service.
The bishop’s request, delivered at the National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral, appeared to have little impact on the president, who took to social media to voice his dissatisfaction.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump responded sharply to the bishop’s comments, dismissing her as “not compelling” and “not smart.” He expressed frustration that she had failed to address the issue of illegal immigration and the crimes committed by some immigrants, a topic that the president has often emphasized.
In addition to criticizing the substance of her remarks, Trump referred to the bishop’s service as “boring” and “uninspiring.” He went further by demanding an apology from both her and the church for what he saw as a lackluster and ineffective message during the service.
The public clash between Trump and Bishop Budde highlights the ongoing tensions in American politics, especially surrounding the issues of immigration and social justice.
While the bishop’s message called for mercy and understanding, Trump’s response reveals his firm stance on immigration policy and his dismissive attitude toward the religious leader’s request. This confrontation underscores the polarization that continues to define much of the national conversation.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde later explained her motivation during her sermon.
Trump’s message:
