During the national prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance appeared uneasy as Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde's sermon veered into political territory. Budde, a known critic of the president, directed her message towards Trump, imploring him to show compassion for vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants. She highlighted the fear experienced by some LGBTQ+ individuals and emphasized the contributions of immigrants, many of whom, she noted, are taxpaying, law-abiding members of various faith communities.
President Donald Trump attends the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Budde's appeal for mercy extended to families facing the threat of separation due to immigration status and those seeking refuge from war and persecution. While advocating for unity and respect for differing viewpoints, she acknowledged the inherent tensions in political discourse where not all prayers are answered as desired. Her sermon contrasted with Trump's inaugural address, where he reiterated his stance on gender and his commitment to a merit-based society. This public display of differing perspectives sparked criticism, including a social media post by Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) questioning Budde's message. This incident is not Budde's first public expression of her political views. Previous instances include her participation in protests related to social justice issues and her Congressional testimony criticizing the government's response to demonstrations near St. John's Church. Budde's consistent advocacy for social justice and her willingness to challenge political figures have made her a prominent voice in public discourse.
Rev. Mariann Budde leads the national prayer service attended by President Donald Trump at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump, left, and first lady Melania Trump attend the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
