Bishop calls on Trump to ‘have mercy’ on migrants and LGBTQ+ people

Right Rev Mariann Budde’s appeal amounts to bold public criticism and prompts frosty response from US president

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

The Episcopal bishop of Washington has appealed directly to Donald Trump to “have mercy upon” communities across the country targeted by the new administration’s immigration and LGBTQ+ policies.

“There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives,” the Right Rev Mariann Budde said from the pulpit at an inaugural prayer service sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, as Trump sat stone-faced in the front row, alongside Melania Trump and JD Vance.