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Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Washington Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, calling her "vicious" and demanding an apology after she accused him of spreading fear among the LGBT community and immigrants.
On January 21, Trump attended the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral in the capital alongside his family, Vice President JD Vance, and Vance's wife, Usha. The service was led by Bishop Budde, who delivered remarks that appeared to criticize the President's policies and rhetoric.
During the service, Budde made a pointed appeal, asking Trump to show compassion toward those living in fear across the nation. "There are children who are gay, lesbian, and transgender in families supporting Democrats, Republicans, or independents. Some of them are afraid," she said.
Her comments alluded to growing concerns over Trump's stances on gender and immigration issues.
Trump, seated in the front row next to First Lady Melania Trump, appeared visibly uncomfortable. At times, he looked down or turned his gaze away as Budde spoke.
Vice President Vance, sitting nearby, raised his eyebrows in apparent surprise, occasionally glancing at his wife. Members of the Trump family, seated directly behind the President, exchanged uneasy glances. Eric Trump, the President's second son, shook his head in disapproval.
Following the service, reporters sought Trump’s reaction. He criticized the event, calling it uninspiring. "It wasn’t an enjoyable service. They could have done much better," he said.
Trump’s frustration may have been fueled by Bishop Budde’s direct critique, which contrasted starkly with the warm receptions he typically enjoys. The service marked one of the few instances where Trump faced public criticism in a formal setting since his return to the White House.
The day before, on January 20, shortly after his inauguration, Trump signed several executive orders, including measures suspending asylum admissions and expelling undocumented immigrants. He also issued a directive mandating that only male and female genders be officially recognized by federal agencies.
Trump has consistently expressed strong views on transgender issues. During his pre-inauguration rally, he criticized transgender women participating in women’s sports, calling it unfair and pledging to take decisive action.
"We’re going to make sure that men do not compete in women’s sports," he declared, receiving cheers from his supporters.
The morning after the National Prayer Service, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to directly address Budde’s remarks. "The Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service is an extreme leftist and a Trump hater," he wrote in a fiery post on January 22.
"She injected her service into politics in a very disgraceful manner. Her tone was vicious, dull, and not particularly intelligent."
Trump further criticized the overall quality of the event. "The service was boring and uninspiring. She did not do her job well! She and her church owe the public an apology!" he added.
Bishop Budde’s comments and Trump’s response highlighted a stark divide over the President’s policies and their social impact. As a leader of one of the nation's most prominent churches, Budde has been vocal about her opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.
Her remarks were widely discussed, with supporters praising her courage and critics accusing her of politicizing a religious event.
The incident also underscored the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump’s return to the White House. Unlike his first term, when opposition voices were more muted during official functions, Trump now faces more overt challenges from religious and civic leaders.
Since his re-election, Trump has been warmly received by political allies and business leaders, including those who had distanced themselves during his initial presidency. Even President Joe Biden greeted Trump at the White House with the words, "Welcome back home."
However, the National Prayer Service served as a reminder that Trump’s policies remain polarizing, particularly among progressive leaders and advocates. Bishop Budde’s remarks may signal a growing willingness among faith leaders to publicly challenge the administration on key social issues.
As of now, Trump has not received the apology he demanded, and the incident has sparked widespread debate over the intersection of religion and politics. Whether this exchange will lead to broader scrutiny of Trump’s policies remains to be seen, but the tension at the National Cathedral underscores the challenges he faces in navigating his second term.
