Woke Bishop Who Lectured Trump Embroiled In New Scandal

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States captivated millions worldwide, but one moment stood out as a point of significant discussion: the sermon delivered by Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde during the inaugural prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral. Her remarks were bold, provocative, and, for many, unexpected in such a ceremonial setting.
In her 15-minute address, Bishop Budde directly addressed President Trump, delivering a series of pointed appeals. As she neared the conclusion of her sermon, she turned her gaze toward the president and said, “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.”
Budde’s sermon touched on pressing issues facing the nation, particularly the concerns of marginalized groups. She highlighted the fears of gay, lesbian, and transgender children, emphasizing the anxiety felt by the LGBTQIA+ community under Trump’s administration. Her words were poignant and deliberate, underscoring the sense of unease among many Americans.
Her sermon came just a day after Trump signed a series of controversial executive orders, including those recognizing biological distinctions between men and women, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and rescinding birthright citizenship. Budde did not shy away from addressing these decisions, using her platform to advocate for immigrants and their contributions to the country.
“The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meat packing plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals—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,” she declared, her voice resonating throughout the cathedral.
Bishop Budde is no stranger to taking a public stand against Trump. She first gained national attention in 2020 after Trump posed for a widely criticized photo outside a boarded-up St. John’s Episcopal Church, holding a Bible, following the dispersal of racial justice protesters with chemical agents. At the time, Budde criticized his actions, stating, “Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence… We need moral leadership, and he’s done everything to divide us.”
During her sermon, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance maintained stoic expressions, offering little reaction to Budde’s words. However, not everyone in attendance remained neutral. Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia took to social media to express his outrage, writing, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
As she concluded her address, Bishop Budde issued one final plea for compassion. “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.”
When asked for his thoughts on the sermon, Trump offered a brief and dismissive response to reporters: “I didn’t think it was a good service.”
Bishop Budde’s powerful and controversial sermon has sparked intense debate, with many praising her courage to speak truth to power while others criticized her for addressing such topics during a ceremonial event. What do you think about Bishop Budde’s message at President Trump’s inaugural prayer service? Share your thoughts!