Un amazing sermondelivered at a solemn moment, marked the second day of presidency of Donald Trump. At the inaugural ceremony in the National Cathedral in Washington, LA Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde challenged the new president with a heartfelt message: mercy for the LGBTQ+ communities and for migrants. Words full of empathy and firmness, which left their mark on an audience accustomed to tributes and praise for the new occupant of the White House. Thus, Trump found himself facing unusual public criticism, in an unexpected place. And he did nothing to hide his disappointment.
The bishop’s appeal to Donald Trump
«I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are now scared”Budde declared from the pulpit, turning his gaze to the president sitting in the front row. “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and Independent families, some of them they fear for their lives». Trump, visibly irritatedhe looked down as his family members showed discomfort. Tiffany Trump smiled nervously, while Melania expressed disapproval without hiding it.
Invisible workers and migrant families
The bishop’s sermon then touched on issue of migrantsanother sensitive topic in light of Trump’s early executive decisions. «The people picking fruit in the fields And they clean our officesperhaps they are not citizens or do not have their documents in order, but they pay taxes and are good neighbors». He added: “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear their parents will be taken away.” With these words, Budde denounced the politics of mass deportations promised by the presidentwhich risks fragmenting families and communities.
Trump’s reaction: «It wasn’t a good sermon»
Trump was quick to express his disappointment. When a journalist asked him to comment on the function, the president replied: «Did you like it? Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, right?” Then, more directly, he added: «I don’t think it was a good sermon, no. They could do much better.”. Words that highlight the president’s discomfort in the face of such explicit and public criticism, in a context where he expected a much different reception.
Who is Mariann Budde, who challenged the president
Mariann Edgar Budde65 years old, is the first woman to lead the Episcopal Diocese of Washingtona position she has held since 2011. Known for her progressive positions, Budde is no stranger to criticism of Trump. During the protests over the death of George Floyd, he accused the president of having exploited St. John’s Church for a photo, defining that gesture as an abuse of a sacred place. As reported by New York Timesthe bishop explained her words even better after the religious service: «The country was entrusted to him. And one of the qualities of a leader is mercy, right? Mercy. And to be aware of the people who are afraid.”
The bishop’s words come in a moment of strong political and social polarization in the United States. The policies just signed by Trump against transgender peoplewhich effectively deny its legal existence, and the new restrictions on immigration have raised criticism not only among activists, but also in the religious world.
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