Bishop Calls Out Donald Trump, Urging Him to Show ‘Mercy’ Towards LGBT+ Community and Immigrants | US News
Donald Trump maintained a serious expression as a bishop implored him to “show mercy to the people in our country who are feeling fearful” during an interfaith prayer service.
The US president commenced the second day of his second term with this event at the Washington National Cathedral, where he and his wife Melania occupied the front row alongside Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was one of the speakers addressing the assembly, concluding her remarks with a heartfelt appeal directed at the returning president.
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Mr. Trump near Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde at the service. Pic: Reuters
She started by saying, “Allow me to make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have placed their trust in you.”
“In the name of our God, I urge you to show mercy to those in our country who are currently afraid.”
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in families of all political affiliations, some of whom fear for their lives.”
Bishop Budde then pointed out the valuable contributions of asylum seekers – a demographic Mr. Trump has been quick to target.
“Those who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work late shifts in hospitals,” she stated, while Mr. Trump turned away briefly, glancing over his shoulder before inspecting the booklet in his hand.
“They may not be citizens or possess proper documentation, but most immigrants are not criminals,” she added, prompting Mr. Trump to cast his gaze downward.
Bishop Budde continued, “I implore you, Mr. President, to show mercy to those in our communities whose children fear that their parents may be taken away.”
“And assist those escaping war and persecution in their home countries to find compassion and a warm welcome here.”
“Our God teaches us to be merciful to strangers, for we were all once strangers in this land.”
It wasn’t just Mr. Trump who appeared uneasy. Upon hearing about the LGBT+ community, Mr. Vance raised his eyebrows and exchanged a glance with his wife, who remained focused ahead.
He repeated this gesture after the bishop addressed immigrants, leaning in to whisper to Mrs. Vance.
At another juncture in the sermon, Mr. Trump turned to his Vice President, and they shared a silent exchange of glances.
When asked for his thoughts on the sermon upon returning to the Oval Office, the president remarked to reporters, “They could have done better.”
