During the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde urged President Donald Trump to show mercy toward illegal immigrants and marginalized communities. She highlighted the contributions of undocumented workers and the fears faced by immigrant families, stating, “They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation… I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”
President Trump responded on Truth Social, criticizing Bishop Budde as a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and describing her tone as “nasty.” He contended that she overlooked crimes committed by some illegal immigrants, asserting, “She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people.” Trump further described the service as “very boring and uninspiring,” suggesting that Bishop Budde and her church owe the public an apology.
Bishop Budde has previously criticized President Trump, notably during the George Floyd protests in 2020, reflecting ongoing tensions between the administration and certain religious leaders.