The swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was a huge event that grabbed the attention of millions of people not just in America, but all around the world. People from all over tuned in to watch this important moment unfold, with eyes glued to the screen as the ceremonies and celebrations took place.
But amid all the events marking the occasion, one moment stood out and caused quite a stir. During the inaugural prayer service, a sermon was delivered that shocked many people, sparking both discussions and controversy. The words spoken by the speaker were so surprising that they became a hot topic for many after the service.
On the morning of Tuesday, January 21, the service took place at Washington’s National Cathedral. Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde was the one delivering the sermon. Her 15-minute address left both those in attendance and those watching on TV stunned, especially because she spoke directly to President Trump during her sermon, touching on some very powerful social issues.
“Mr. President, let me make one final plea,” Bishop Budde said near the end of her speech, looking directly at Trump. “Millions have placed their trust in you. As you stated yesterday, you have experienced the guiding hand of a loving God. In God’s name, I implore you to show mercy to those in our nation who are currently living in fear.”
Her words were heavy, and it was clear she was speaking from a place of deep concern for the nation. She went on to point out that many vulnerable groups were living in fear because of the new administration’s actions. “There are children—gay, lesbian, and transgender—within families of all political affiliations: Democratic, Republican, and independent,” she said. “Many of these children are living in fear for their lives.”
This part of her sermon seemed to reflect growing concerns from the LGBTQIA+ community about how Trump’s policies might impact their safety and rights.
What made this moment even more significant was that it came just one day after President Trump signed a series of controversial executive orders. These included a directive about the biological distinction between men and women, a national emergency declaration for the southern border, and a set of immigration measures, including an attempt to end birthright citizenship. Bishop Budde didn’t hold back in addressing these actions.
In her sermon, she challenged Trump to think about the humanity of the people affected by these policies. “The individuals who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes in restaurants, and work late-night shifts in hospitals—many of them may not hold citizenship or proper documentation,” she explained.
“However, the vast majority are not criminals. They contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are good neighbors.”
Bishop Budde had criticized President Trump before. In 2020, after Trump posed for a photo holding a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church while law enforcement used force to disperse racial justice protesters, Budde spoke out strongly against him.
She said at the time, “Everything he has done and said has only served to incite violence. We need moral leadership, and instead, he has sown division.” It was clear that she wasn’t afraid to voice her concerns, especially when it came to the president’s actions.
As Bishop Budde continued her sermon, both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance sat in silence, showing little reaction to her words. But outside the cathedral, the reactions were anything but quiet. Many took to social media to share their opinions.
One notable response came from Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The person delivering this sermon should be added to the deportation list.” His comment showed just how deeply divided people were over the message.
At the end of her sermon, Bishop Budde made one last heartfelt appeal. “I urge you, Mr. President, to show mercy to those in our communities whose children are terrified of losing their parents. Extend compassion to those fleeing war and persecution in their homelands, seeking refuge here. Our faith calls us to be merciful to strangers, for we were once strangers in this land ourselves,” she said.
The sermon had a lasting impact, and the next day, when President Trump was asked by reporters about his thoughts on the service, his response was brief and rather dismissive. “I didn’t think it was a good service,” he said curtly.
This moment has left many people wondering what to make of Bishop Mariann Budde’s bold sermon. Some see it as a much-needed call for compassion and understanding in a time of division, while others feel it was an inappropriate message given the occasion. The clash of opinions highlights the tense political atmosphere in the United States and raises questions about how religion and politics should intersect.
What do you think about Bishop Budde’s sermon during President Trump’s inaugural prayer service? Was it a powerful message of compassion, or was it out of place during such an important event? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
