One day after Donald Trump signed several executive orders taking aim at the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans and immigrants, one bishop is already standing up to him – to his face.
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde was leading the congregation Tuesday at the inaugural prayer service when she spoke directly to the new president, asking him to "have mercy" on people in America who are "scared now," mentioning "gay, lesbian, and transgender children" and immigrants in particular.
The Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., was leading the service as part of Trump's inauguration week. Earlier in her sermon, Budde called for unity and said, "Jesus went out of his way to welcome those whom his society deemed as outcasts" before making a direct plea to President Trump.
"Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you" she said, turning directly to Trump, who was seated in the front row. "In the name of our god, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives."
While Trump sat with a blank stare on his face, Vice President J.D. Vance seemed to panic right away, getting an uncomfortable look on his face and turning to his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance.
Budde also asked for Trump to be compassionate to immigrants, whom she said "pay taxes and are good neighbors" and are "members of our churches, and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples."
After the service, Trump spoke to the press and said he "didn't think it was a good service," adding, "they could do much better," per BBC.
Bishop Budde is the
first woman elected to the position of bishop for the 86 Episcopal congregations and 10 Episcopal schools in Washington, D.C., and nearby Maryland. She and her husband have two adult sons and several grandchildren.
Beware of the Straightors: 'The Traitors' bros vs. the women and gays