Overview

• Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde addressed President Trump directly during a sermon, calling for mercy toward immigrants and LGBTQ individuals fearing his policies.
• Trump, visibly upset during the service, later criticized Budde on Truth Social, labeling her as 'nasty' and 'not very smart,' and demanded an apology from her and the church.
• The sermon came after Trump signed executive orders targeting trans rights, birthright citizenship, and diversity initiatives, which Budde described as harmful and divisive.
• Budde's remarks have drawn praise for emphasizing Christian values of compassion and empathy, while also sparking backlash from Trump supporters and conservative commentators.
• Budde has stated she will not apologize, defending her appeal for mercy as a necessary moral and spiritual challenge to the president's policies.