The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was a historic event that caught the attention of millions of people, not just in the U.S., but all around the world.
People from every corner of the globe tuned in to watch as Trump officially began his second term. The inauguration was full of ceremonies, speeches, and moments of significance, but there was one particular moment that stood out above the rest, sparking intense discussions and even some controversy.
On Tuesday, at Washington D.C.’s National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde delivered a sermon during the inaugural prayer service. Her words left many people stunned and even caused quite a stir.
In her 15-minute address, Bishop Budde spoke directly to President Trump, addressing him with passionate appeals about the state of the nation and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
“Mr. President, let me make one final plea,” Bishop Budde said as she neared the end of her sermon. “Millions have placed their trust in you. As you stated yesterday, you have experienced the guiding hand of a loving God.
In God’s name, I implore you to show mercy to those in our nation who are currently living in fear.” She spoke with intensity, and as she made this plea, it seemed as if she was gazing directly at the president.
Her words were powerful as she focused on marginalized groups, emphasizing the fear that many people are living with. “There are children—gay, lesbian, and transgender—within families of all political affiliations: Democratic, Republican, and independent.
Many of these children are living in fear for their lives.” Her statement was clearly aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community, many of whom were anxious about the potential impacts of Trump’s policies on their safety and rights.
The timing of Bishop Budde’s sermon added to its significance. It came just one day after President Trump signed a series of controversial executive orders.
These included a directive that affirmed the “biological distinctions between men and women,” a declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, and several immigration-related measures, including one aimed at ending birthright citizenship. These policies had already sparked heated debates, and Bishop Budde didn’t shy away from addressing them head-on.
“The individuals who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work late-night shifts in hospitals—many of them may not hold citizenship or proper documentation,” she said. “However, the vast majority are not criminals.
They contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are good neighbors.” Her words called for compassion and understanding, urging the president to consider the humanity of those affected by these policies.
This wasn’t the first time that Bishop Budde had publicly criticized Donald Trump. Back in 2020, she made headlines when Trump posed for a photo outside St. John’s Episcopal Church holding a Bible, while law enforcement used chemical agents to disperse protesters calling for racial justice nearby.
At that time, Bishop Budde strongly disapproved, saying, “Everything he has done and said has only served to incite violence. We need moral leadership, and instead, he has sown division.”
During the inaugural service, both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance sat quietly, showing little reaction to the sermon. But not everyone stayed silent. Republican Representative Mike Collins from Georgia expressed his frustration on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “The person delivering this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
In the final moments of her sermon, Bishop Budde made one last passionate appeal. “I urge you, Mr. President, to show mercy to those in our communities whose children are terrified of losing their parents.
Extend compassion to those fleeing war and persecution in their homelands, seeking refuge here. Our faith calls us to be merciful to strangers, for we were once strangers in this land ourselves.” Her words echoed with the message of compassion and empathy for those who are vulnerable, calling on the president to reflect on these values.
When asked later about the sermon, President Trump gave a brief response to reporters at the White House, saying, “I didn’t think it was a good service.” His reaction was cold, offering little insight into how he truly felt about Bishop Budde’s words.
Bishop Budde’s sermon at the inaugural prayer service was an unforgettable moment in the inauguration. It raised questions about the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership and sparked debates about the values and priorities that should guide the nation.
Her calls for mercy and compassion, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups, added a deeply human dimension to an otherwise political occasion.
So, what do you think about Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon during President Trump’s inaugural prayer service? Do you agree with her message, or do you think it was out of place? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
