Summary

Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal bishop at the Washington National Cathedral, directly confronted Donald Trump during his inaugural prayer service, urging him to show compassion for marginalized groups.

She criticized his policies on LGBTQ rights, mass deportations, and immigration, calling for mercy toward undocumented immigrants and children fearing family separation.

Trump dismissed the sermon as “not too exciting,” while his supporters condemned Budde’s remarks as inappropriate.

Budde’s bold address marked the first public challenge to Trump’s agenda during his second term.