On January 21, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a heartfelt sermon. She appealed to former President Donald Trump to "have mercy" on marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants. Budde highlighted the fears these communities face under policies from Trump’s administration, such as rolling back transgender rights and tightening immigration controls.
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Trump's Response to Budde's Comments
Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling Budde "nasty" and accusing her of being a "Radical Left Trump hater." He demanded an apology from Budde and her church, criticizing the service as "boring and uninspiring." Trump’s reaction underscores his ongoing tensions with religious leaders who openly criticize his policies.
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Allies Join Trump's Criticism
Trump’s allies also reacted strongly. Congressman Mike Collins suggested adding Budde to a deportation list due to her criticisms of Trump. This reflects the deep divisions between political leaders and religious figures on key issues like LGBTQ+ rights and immigration policies.
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