Donald Trump Fires Back After Bishop’s Bold Inauguration Sermon
Millions of people across the United States and around the world watched Donald Trump’s second inauguration as president. However, the bishop’s sermon stole the spotlight, addressing issues that surprised many viewers at such a formal event.
Bishop Mariann Budde delivered a 15-minute sermon, directly addressing President Trump with heartfelt requests.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” she said. “Millions have placed their trust in you. As you told the nation yesterday, you feel the guiding hand of a loving God.”
She called on Trump to show compassion to those fearing for their future, glancing toward the president as she spoke.
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families across the political spectrum—Democratic, Republican, and independent—who fear for their lives,” she said, reflecting concerns from the LGBTQIA+ community about Trump’s policies.
The bishop also spoke about several controversial executive orders Trump signed. These included recognizing gender differences between men and women, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and ending birthright citizenship.
She highlighted the struggles of immigrants who contribute to the economy but face uncertainty.
“The people who pick our crops, clean our offices, work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work night shifts in hospitals—they may not be citizens or have proper documentation. But most immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.”
Bishop Budde has been openly critical of Trump before. In 2020, when Trump posed with a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church after protesters were dispersed, she condemned him, saying, “Everything he has said and done inflames violence. We need moral leadership, and he’s done everything to divide us.”
“Mr. President, have mercy on those whose children fear losing their parents. Help those fleeing war and persecution to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us to be merciful to strangers, for we were all once strangers in this land.”
When asked about the sermon, President Trump said, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” Republican Representative Mike Collins from Georgia also commented online, saying, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
