Bishop Who Challenged Trump Over LGBTQ+ Rights Breaks Silence With a Shocking Powerful New Message (Video)
Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of Washington, recently spoke out for the first time since she made a public appeal to President Donald Trump during the National Prayer Service in January. In her speech, she criticized the administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration, which led to a heated debate across the country, with people both supporting and opposing her stance.
During the service on January 21—one day after Trump’s inauguration—Bishop Budde directly addressed Trump and Vice President JD Vance. She urged them to consider the struggles and fears of marginalized communities under their leadership.
“Mr. President, millions of people trust you, and yesterday, you spoke about feeling the guidance of a loving God,” she said. “In God’s name, I ask you to show kindness to the people in this country who are afraid right now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families across all political backgrounds—Democratic, Republican, and Independent—who are scared for their lives.”
Bishop Budde didn’t just speak about LGBTQ+ rights. She also talked about undocumented immigrants who work hard but live in fear.
“These are the people who pick our crops, clean our office buildings, work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and take night shifts in hospitals. Many of them are not citizens or don’t have legal documents, but the vast majority are not criminals,” she said.
Trump was not happy with the speech and later voiced his frustration on Truth Social. He called Bishop Budde a “Radical Left Trump hater” and accused her of mixing religion with politics in a negative way.
“The so-called Bishop at the National Prayer Service was a Radical Left hardliner,” Trump wrote. “She dragged her church into politics in a very rude and disrespectful way. She sounded angry, and her speech was neither convincing nor intelligent.”
Trump also criticized her for not addressing crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. He called the immigration issue a “massive crime wave” and personally attacked Budde’s work. He added, “Aside from her inappropriate comments, the service itself was boring and uninspiring. She’s not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
After staying off social media for a few weeks, Bishop Budde returned on February 25 with a video message on Instagram. She thanked those who had supported her.
“I took a break from social media, but I wanted to come back and say thank you. The letters, phone calls, notes, gifts, and kind words of encouragement have meant so much to me,” she said.
She also spoke about the need for unity and courage in tough times. “I believe there is a spirit of love and goodness in this country that connects us all. Now is the time to stand together, support each other, and learn how to be brave,” she stated.
Bishop Budde ended her video with a hopeful message, encouraging Americans to stay strong and work toward a better society.
“We can do this—especially when we remember that we are never alone. Together, with God’s help, we can build the kind of community we all deserve and want to pass on to future generations. Take care, have courage, and remember that together, we can all be brave.”
