Former President Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy, this time criticizing Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at the National Prayer Service following his second inauguration. Trump’s remarks, posted on Truth Social, reignited a long-standing feud between the two figures, highlighting the ongoing political and cultural divisions within the United States.
Trump’s Criticism of Bishop Budde’s Sermon
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Bishop Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” taking issue with her calls for mercy towards immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. He accused her of injecting politics into her sermon, describing her tone as “nasty” and her message as “uncompelling” and “unintelligent.”
Trump further criticized Budde for failing to address what he described as a “crime wave” caused by illegal immigrants. He reiterated a claim from his 2024 presidential campaign, alleging that many immigrants released from jails and mental institutions were responsible for violence in the US. He concluded his post by demanding an apology from Budde and her church.
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This is not the first time Trump has publicly criticized Bishop Budde. Their history of clashes dates back to 2020, with Budde consistently condemning Trump’s rhetoric and actions. This latest attack underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two, further fueling the already polarized political climate.
Bishop Budde’s Call for Unity and Mercy
Bishop Budde’s sermon, delivered at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21, 2025, focused on the importance of unity and compassion. She urged the newly inaugurated leaders to show mercy to those who are fearful, specifically mentioning immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community. She implored the nation to strive for unity that transcends political differences and embraces diversity.
While acknowledging the need for national security, Budde emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of immigrants, stating that the vast majority are not criminals. Her plea for inclusivity and empathy stood in stark contrast to Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and his frequent inflammatory rhetoric.
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Budde’s sermon, delivered in the presence of President Trump and other dignitaries, was a bold statement advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate America. Her words resonated with many who felt marginalized and threatened by Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
A History of Conflict: Trump and Bishop Budde
The tension between Donald Trump and Bishop Mariann Budde is not new. Budde has been a vocal critic of Trump throughout his political career, openly condemning his actions and policies. She previously criticized Trump for his handling of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, particularly his photo op at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and for his remarks telling four congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries of origin.
Following the January 6th Capitol riots, Budde strongly denounced Trump’s role in inciting the violence, stating that there was “nothing Christian” about the events. This history of outspoken criticism provides context for Trump’s recent attack on Budde and underscores the deep divisions that continue to plague American society.
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The Broader Implications
The clash between Trump and Bishop Budde extends beyond a personal feud. It reflects a broader struggle over values and the direction of the country. Budde’s message of unity and compassion stands in direct opposition to Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies. This ongoing conflict highlights the deep ideological divisions within American society, and the challenges of bridging those divides in an increasingly polarized political climate. The debate sparked by this latest exchange underscores the urgent need for constructive dialogue and a renewed commitment to finding common ground.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump and Bishop Mariann Budde
Q: What did Bishop Budde say in her sermon that angered Donald Trump?
A: Bishop Budde called for mercy and compassion towards immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, which Trump interpreted as a political attack.
Q: What is the history of the relationship between Donald Trump and Bishop Budde?
A: Bishop Budde has been a consistent and vocal critic of Donald Trump, publicly condemning his actions and rhetoric on several occasions.
Q: What are the broader implications of this latest feud?
A: The conflict highlights the deep political and cultural divisions within the United States and the challenges of achieving unity in a polarized society. It reflects a fundamental disagreement about values and the direction of the country.
