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Trump Calls Out Budde’s Alleged Hypocrisy
The former president also criticized Budde for neglecting key facts while delivering her pointed remarks. He accused her of failing to address the consequences of illegal immigration, particularly its impact on crime rates.
“She failed to mention the large number of illegal migrants that came into our Country and killed people. Many were deposited from jails and mental institutions. It is a giant crime wave that is taking place in the USA,” Trump wrote, emphasizing his ongoing concerns about border security.
Adding insult to injury, Trump dismissed the overall service as lackluster. “Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
Bishop Budde’s Polarizing Sermon
Budde’s comments during the National Cathedral prayer service quickly drew controversy. Instead of focusing on prayer and unity, the bishop delivered remarks that many perceived as a direct attack on Trump’s policies.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde began, referencing marginalized groups.
She continued, “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”
The sermon also highlighted immigration issues, as Budde defended undocumented individuals living and working in the U.S. “The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches,” she said. Budde urged Trump to show compassion to those “fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands.”
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Backlash and Support
Trump’s demand for an apology seems unlikely to sway Budde or the Episcopal Church. In fact, her stance aligns with broader church leadership. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, doubled down on support for illegal immigrants in a public statement the same day.
“To our siblings who are at risk of deportation or of being separated from those you love, know that your story is our story, and your dignity is inseparable from our own. We stand with you, and we will face these challenges together,” Rowe said, signaling the church’s firm position.
Republicans were quick to respond, with some leveling their own criticism at Budde. Georgia Rep. Mike Collins suggested the bishop’s affinity for illegal immigrants should come with consequences. “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list,” Collins posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Political Battlefield in the Pulpit
This latest clash highlights the growing tension between religious leaders and political figures in a deeply divided nation. What was once a space for spiritual reflection is increasingly becoming a platform for social and political activism. As the debate over immigration and other contentious issues rages on, it seems unlikely either side will back down.
Trump’s fiery rebuke underscores his unwillingness to let such criticisms go unanswered. Whether Bishop Budde or the Episcopal Church respond remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the pulpit has become yet another front in America’s ongoing culture wars.
