Trump Slams Sermon Asking Him To Show 'Mercy' Toward LGBTQ People, Immigrants by Michelle Stoddart and Kesley Walsh

Who is the Episcopal bishop of Washington National Cathedral?
The Episcopal bishop of Washington National Cathedral is Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde.

What did Reverend Budde call on Donald Trump do to during the inaugural prayer service?
During the inaugural prayer service, Reverend Budde called on Donald Trump to show mercy toward LGBTQ people and immigrants.

What did Donald Trump say about the inaugural prayer service?
Donald Trump said the inaugural prayer service "wasn't too exciting" and he "didn't think it was a good service."

What is the National Prayer Service?
The National Prayer Service is one of several events presidents attend around being sworn in.

Quote by Donald Trump about the inaugural prayer service

What did you think? Did you like it? Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, was it? I didn't think it was a good service, no.

Quote by Donald Trump from a post on Truth Social about the inaugural prayer service

She brought her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart. ... Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!

What did Reverend Budde say to defend her sermon?
To defend her sermon, Reverend Budde said she sought to create "unity" and to "counter the narrative that is so divisive and polarizing."

Quote by Reverend Budde from an interview on The View

I wanted to emphasize respecting the honor and dignity of every human being, basic honesty and humility and then I also realized that unity requires a certain degree of mercy -- mercy and compassion and understanding. ... I was trying to speak a truth that I felt needed to be said, but to do it as respectful and kind a way as I could. ... And also to bring other voices into the conversation ... voices that had not been heard in the public space for some time.

Has Reverend Budde had an opportunity to share her thoughts one-on-one with Donald Trump?
No, Reverend Budde hasn't had an opportunity to share her thoughts one-on-one with Donald Trump.

Quote by Reverend Budde from her speech during the inaugural prayer service

In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. They are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. ... They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.

How did Donald Trump appear during the inaugural prayer service?
During the inaugural prayer service, Donald Trump appeared stoic and uninterested.

When has Reverend Budde criticized Donald Trump previously and why?
Reverend Budde has criticized Donald Trump previously when he ordered the National Guard to disperse protesters with tear gas and staged a photo-op with an upside-down Bible because he used the Church and the Bible to justify his actions.

Quote by Reverend Budde from an interview with Good Morning America about Donald Trump's photo-op outside of St. John's Episcopal Church

[The photo-op was] as if it were spiritual validation and justification for a message that is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and to the God of justice.