During the interfaith investiture service, the Reverend Mariann Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, confronted the new president, Donald Trump, and urged him to show mercy towards members of the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrants.
In his sermon, Budde evoked Trump's belief that he was saved by God, and urged him to "have mercy on the people in our country who are now frightened."
However, Trump quickly responded, demanding an apology from the bishop.
On his Truth Social platform, he accused Budde of being a "left-wing radical" who "hates Trump" and claimed that her intervention was "unpleasant" and "unconvincing."
The service, held at the National Cathedral in Washington, focused on national unity, featuring religious leaders from various denominations, but notably lacking the presence of conservative evangelicals, one of the groups closest to the president.
Although Budde criticized Trump's "radicalized rhetoric" and his role in the violence of January 6, 2021, the service included several moments that seemed aimed at pleasing the president, such as the performance of hymns and religious songs that Trump appreciates.
After the service, Trump criticized the sermon, stating that it was not "exciting" and suggesting that "they could have done much better."
He was backed by his ally, Elon Musk, who mocked Budde and suggested that he had some kind of mental illness for making those statements.
The new U.S. administration launched a strong anti-immigrant campaign from day one and revoked several gender-related achievements in the country, which has been heavily criticized by some sectors and applauded by the more conservative segments of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy between Bishop Mariann Budde and Donald Trump
What did Bishop Mariann Budde say to Donald Trump during the inauguration service?
Bishop Mariann Budde urged Trump to show mercy towards the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented immigrants. During her sermon, she called on the president to have compassion for those who are scared in the country. Budde also criticized Trump's radicalized rhetoric and linked it to the violence of January 6, 2021.
How did Donald Trump respond to Bishop Budde's statements?
Donald Trump demanded an apology from Bishop Budde. Through his platform Truth Social, he accused Budde of being a "left-wing radical" and called her intervention "unpleasant" and "unconvincing." He also dismissed the sermon, stating that it was not moving and suggesting they could have done better.
Why was the absence of conservative evangelicals at the inauguration service significant?
The absence of conservative evangelicals, a group close to Trump, was notable. This group has traditionally been one of the strongest supporters of the president, so their absence at an event focused on national unity stood out within the political and religious context of the country.
How does this situation relate to Trump's recent policy towards undocumented migrants?
Trump's stance on undocumented migrants has been one of hardening and mass deportation. During his recent rally, he promised to stop the "invasion" of migrants and return them to their countries, reflecting a firm position that has characterized his immigration policy. This policy contrasts with the call for mercy made by Bishop Budde.
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