National Cathedral Holds A Service Of Prayer For The Nation

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump criticized Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for her pointed address to him during a National Cathedral service the previous day, where she advocated for immigrants and LGBTQ+ children.

In a Truth Social post, Trump labeled Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” criticizing her performance and accusing her of injecting politics into her church. He demanded an apology.

Bishop Budde’s sermon offered the only overt criticism Trump faced during his first day in office.

During Tuesday’s prayer service at the National Cathedral, as Trump sat in the front pew, Bishop Budde implored him to show mercy to fearful citizens. Trump reacted visibly uncomfortably.

She highlighted the plight of LGBTQ+ children, particularly in light of Trump’s early executive actions recognizing only two sexes and ordering increased deportations.

Budde’s sermon also addressed the concerns of immigrants, emphasizing that most are law-abiding, tax-paying members of communities. She pleaded with Trump to show mercy to families facing potential separation due to deportation.

Since her sermon garnered national attention, Budde has received both support and intense criticism, including death threats.

Bishop Budde, who has served in her role since 2011, previously criticized Trump in 2020 for his handling of racial justice protests.

In an interview with TIME, Budde discussed her reaction to the backlash. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

TIME: Are you comfortable with being this well known nationally?

BISHOP BUDDE: I hope the message of dignity, honesty, humility and kindness resonates. While grateful for the support, the intense vitriol is disheartening. Many have expressed gratitude, while others have wished me dead, which is heartbreaking.

I’m perfectly happy to engage with those who disagree, but the level of attack has been sobering.

Are you hoping to inspire others to push back against President Trump’s policies?

I hope to encourage alternative perspectives, compassion, and broader discourse.

National Cathedral Holds A Service Of Prayer For The Nation

Trump called you a “Radical left hard line Trump hater.” What’s your response to that?

I don’t hate President Trump. I strive not to hate anyone, and I’m not ‘radical left’. That’s not who I am.

He said you’re not very good at your job.

That’s for others to judge. He’s entitled to his opinion.

And he said you should apologize. Will you apologize?

I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others.

Have you received threats? Do you feel in danger?

Those truly in danger are those facing deportation and vulnerable youth. I have support and don’t feel personally at risk, although death threats are heartbreaking. My sermon was mild and respectful, simply urging mercy for the vulnerable.

Anything else?

This is bigger than me. It’s about the kind of country we should be. I aimed to counter the culture of contempt, to show that diverse perspectives can coexist with dignity and respect. The culture of contempt threatens us, and I’ve experienced a small taste of it this week.