Trump rails against 'radical left' bishop who confronted him with plea for 'mercy' at prayer service

22 January

Although many far-right white evangelicals and Christian nationalists are delighted to see President Donald Trump back in the White House, not all Christians are in lockstep with his policies. Bishop Mariann Budde, in Washington, is critical of Trump's immigration policies — much to his chagrin.

During an interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, January 21, the Episcopal bishop implored Trump, "In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."

Budde cited immigrants and "gay, lesbian and transgender children" as examples of people who are "scared" because of Trump's policies.

"The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals," Budde said during her speech. "They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques."

Although Budde's tone was polite — not biting or confrontational — Trump was deeply offended and responded by angrily railing against her on his Truth Social platform.

Trump described Budde as a "Radical left hard line Trump hater," adding "She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart."

Budde, Trump complained, didn't mention the "large number of illegal immigrants that came into our Country and killed people" during her speech.

The Daily Beast's Janna Brancolini, reporting on Budde's speech and Trump's reaction, notes that she spoke in a "calm, steadying voice" and adds, "In fact, violent crime has plummeted over the past three years, according to ABC News, and research shows undocumented immigrants commit far fewer crimes than people born in the U.S. Nevertheless, Trump complained about Budde bringing her church into politics 'in a very ungracious way,' and declared the service 'very boring and uninspiring.'"

Read the Daily Beast's coverage at this link (subscription required) and watch CPAN's video of Bishop Mariann Budde's speech below or here.

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