Trump remained expressionless in the front row, sitting next to First Lady Melania Trump, as Budde told him that illegal immigrants were "not criminals"

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 bishop criticized the president's agenda and called on him to show “mercy” on people she claimed were living in fear because Trump was president.

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and their families were in attendance at the prayer service on Tuesday.

Episcopal bishop of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde, on Monday, urged Donald Trump to show compassion towards marginalised groups, including gay, lesbian, and transgender children, as well as undocumented immigrants.

Trump's reaction is another example of his administration being at odds with prominent religious leaders over his stance on immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde responded to President Donald Trump's criticism of comments she made during her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral.

Also, we recommend a good podcast about local music history. This is Washingtonian Today for Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Mariann Budde made a direct appeal to the US president during the interfaith inauguration service. During the interfaith inauguration service, Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington,

The Bishop of Washington, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, made a plea to President Donald Trump, who was in-person at an inaugural prayer service, to have “mercy” on Americans, particularly immigrants and LGBTQ people.

Who is Bishop Mariann Budde and what is her history with Trump? What are the beliefs of the Episcopal Church which she belongs to? We explain.