In her sermon, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington was openly critical of the president.

The new president was in Washington D.C. for church services Tuesday when Bishop Mariann Budde, born in New Jersey, asked Trump during the service to have “mercy” on undocumented immigrants and other marginal groups, which Trump has spoken critical of during his campaign.

President Donald Trump, left, watches as Rev. Mariann Budde, second right, arrives at the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump,

The Bishop who requested "mercy" for LGBTQ+ children and immigrants at a prayer service attended by President Donald Trump has defended her decision to confront the President during the service.

Donald Trump reacts to Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's sermon, calling it 'nasty' amid ongoing debates on LGBTQ+ rights and immigration policies.- Watch Video on English Oneindia

Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) heavily criticized statements made by the Right Rev. Mariann Budde on Tuesday at the inaugural prayer service held for President Trump. “The person giving this sermon

New president furious over prayer service appeal for compassion and tells government departments to prepare to dismiss employees hired under diversity initiatives

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded an apology from the Episcopal bishop of Washington after she made a direct appeal to him during a prayer service marking his inauguration to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers who are in the United States illegally.

The Pentagon is deploying up to 1,500 active duty troops to help secure the southern border in the coming days. The Department of Defense will also provide military aircraft to assist with deporting detained migrants from San Diego and El Paso.

Mariann Budde pleaded with Americans to have a 'different kind of conversation' about hot-button issues as she revealed she received death threats following Tuesday's sermon.

Budde spent 18 years as a rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. She asked the president to reconsider his policies on LGBTQ folks, immigrants.