Trump Criticizes Bishop Who Asked Him to 'Have Mercy' on Migrants, LGBTQ People During National Prayer Service

President Donald Trump on Wednesday denounced Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who urged the Republican to show “mercy” to immigrants and members of the LGBTQ community during a national prayer service.

Budde’s Message: “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. And the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings. They may not be citizens, or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors, they are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples.”

Trump's Response: On Truth Social, Trump called Budde a “so-called Bishop” and a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater.” He added: “She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people... Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”

About Bishop Budde: Budde is the first woman to serve as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She wrote an opinion article published in The New York Times, saying she was “outraged” that Trump allegedly “used sacred symbols” while promoting policies she believes contradict the Bible.

How The Media Covered It: Fox News (Right bias) reported that “Budde has been open about her opposition to Trump in the past,” pointing to a 2020 video clip where she said, “We need to replace President Trump.” The New York Times (Lean Left) interviewed Budde, who said she decided to speak directly to Trump because “of the fear that I have seen and experienced among our people — people that I know and love, both within the immigrant community and within the LGBTQ community, and how terrified so many are.”