On Tuesday, President Donald Trump attended a special church service at the Washington National Cathedral to celebrate the beginning of his second term. But things took an unexpected turn when Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde used her sermon to ask Trump to show mercy on LGBTQ+ people and immigrants, two groups Trump had recently targeted with his policies.
Bishop Budde, speaking directly to the President, said, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President,” her voice filled with concern. She talked about how many LGBTQ+ kids—including gay, lesbian, and transgender children—are feeling scared because of the President’s actions. She explained that families across the country, whether they are Democratic, Republican, or independent, all have children who identify as LGBTQ+.
She also talked about immigrants, especially those who work hard but may not have the proper paperwork. “These are the people who pick our fruits, clean our buildings, work in hospitals, and serve us food in restaurants. They may not be citizens, but they work hard and deserve kindness,” she said.
As Bishop Budde spoke, Trump looked upset and didn’t seem to enjoy the message. He stared ahead without smiling while his family and Vice President JD Vance appeared surprised by her words. After the service, when reporters asked Trump for his thoughts, he said, “I didn’t think it was a good service. They could do much better.”
This sermon came after Trump signed new executive orders that limit the rights of immigrants and transgender people. Some of these orders stopped the arrival of asylum seekers and planned to remove immigrants who are living in the U.S. without legal permission. Trump also announced that only two sexes, male and female, would be officially recognized, which many people in the LGBTQ+ community feel is unfair.
The Bishop’s words were a powerful call for mercy and compassion for those who might be hurt by these new rules.
