Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde appeared on "The View" to discuss her recent prayer directed at former President Donald Trump, acknowledging the inevitable politicization of her message in the current climate. Responding to co-host Sara Haines's question about whether her message was being misconstrued, Budde recognized the highly charged political atmosphere, emphasizing the tendency to quickly jump to negative interpretations. She cautioned against the prevailing "culture of contempt." Budde's prayer, delivered at a service attended by Trump, urged him to show compassion towards vulnerable groups, including immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals. Trump and former Vice President JD Vance, along with their spouses, were present during the prayer.
Budde explained her intention to speak a necessary truth respectfully and to amplify unheard voices in the public discourse. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin inquired about the potential impact of a private conversation with Trump, an opportunity Budde welcomed, stating she would approach such a dialogue with respect for both Trump and his office. Budde's comments at the prayer service garnered significant attention. She directly addressed Trump, imploring him to show mercy to those living in fear, specifically mentioning LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants. She emphasized that the majority of immigrants are law-abiding, tax-paying members of communities. Trump later expressed his disapproval of the service and criticized Budde on social media, labeling her a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" and accusing her of injecting politics into her message.
