Trump's Executive Orders Challenged by Episcopal Bishop
During a prayer service at Washington's National Cathedral Tuesday, the Episcopal bishop of Washington directly confronted President Trump while he and Vice President J.D. Vance were seated in the front row.
Confronting Trump on Immigration and LGBTQ Issues
In her 15-minute sermon, Bishop Mariann Budde challenged the executive orders Trump issued the previous day, including one that declared a national emergency at the country's southern border and attempted to do away with birthright citizenship. Budde also criticized the rhetoric surrounding these orders, stating that the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals and that they deserve compassion and welcome.
Defense of LGBTQ Community and Immigrants
Budde's sermon also addressed the fears of LGBTQ individuals and families, particularly in light of Trump's executive order recognizing that women are biologically distinct from men. She implored the president to have mercy on those who are scared and to help those fleeing war zones and persecution find compassion and welcome in the United States.
Trump's Response and Criticism
Trump dismissed the service as "boring and uninspiring" and called Budde a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" who brought her church into politics.
Republican Criticism of Budde
Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins from Georgia added fuel to the fire by posting a video clip of Budde's sermon on social media and suggesting that she be added to the deportation list.
A History of Criticism
Budde has a history of criticizing Trump, dating back to 2020 when the president posed for a photo outside of St. John's Episcopal Church holding a Bible after law enforcement had used chemical agents to disperse racial justice protesters. At the time, Budde condemned Trump's actions, saying that he had inflamed violence and divided the nation.
Conclusion
Bishop Budde's sermon at the National Cathedral was a powerful challenge to Trump's policies and rhetoric on immigration and LGBTQ issues. Her words resonated with many Americans who share her concerns about the direction the country is headed under Trump's leadership.