Millions of people, not only from the United States but from around the world, tuned in to witness the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Among the highlights of the event, the bishop’s sermon stood out, capturing widespread attention by addressing topics that shocked and surprised many attendees.
During her address, Bishop Mariann Budde spoke directly to President Trump, delivering a series of poignant requests.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” she stated during the closing moments of her 15-minute sermon. “Millions have placed their trust in you. As you mentioned in your speech yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God.”
The bishop appealed to President Trump to show compassion to those who are fearful for their future. At one point, her words seemed directed squarely at him.
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families across the political spectrum—Democratic, Republican, and independent—who are living in fear for their lives,” she said, referencing concerns within the LGBTQIA+ community about the potential implications of Trump’s administration.
Bishop Budde also touched upon several executive orders signed by Trump, which she found concerning. These included directives that emphasized “recognizing that women are biologically distinct from men,” a national emergency declaration regarding the southern border, and initiatives targeting immigration policies, such as one aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
“The individuals who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, work in poultry farms and meat-packing plants, wash dishes after we dine in restaurants, and staff hospital night shifts—they may lack citizenship or proper documentation,” the bishop explained. “However, the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and contribute positively as neighbors.”
Bishop Budde’s criticism of President Trump was not new. In 2020, she openly condemned his actions when he posed with a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church after law enforcement used chemical agents to clear racial justice protesters. At the time, she wrote, “Everything he has said and done is meant to inflame violence… We need moral leadership, and he has only worked to divide us.”
Returning to her sermon during the inauguration, Bishop Budde continued her appeal for compassion:
“I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on the members of our communities whose children fear that their parents might be taken away. Extend kindness to those fleeing war zones and persecution, helping them find safety and welcome here. Our God calls us to be merciful to the stranger,” she reminded. “For we were all strangers in this land once.”
When asked about the sermon, President Trump responded that he “didn’t think it was a good service.” Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins of Georgia took to social media to share his thoughts, writing, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.”
