Trump Orders Federal Workers Back To In-Person Work, You Support This?

Pastor Asks Trump To Have Mercy On Who?

During the National Cathedral’s prayer service at President Trump’s inauguration, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the reverend leading the ceremony, made an emotional appeal to the new president. Seated in the front row, President Trump listened as the bishop addressed some of the most pressing social issues facing the nation. Bishop Budde called for compassion and mercy toward those she believed were most vulnerable, urging President Trump to extend a sense of care to transgender children and immigrant families.

Bishop Budde started her sermon by acknowledging that millions of Americans had placed their trust in President Trump, but she reminded him that a significant portion of the population felt fearful. “I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared,” she said. She included not only transgender children but also families—gay, lesbian, Democratic, Republican, and independent—who are living in fear.

She then turned her attention to immigrant workers, noting that many labor in essential industries such as agriculture, meatpacking, and healthcare. While these individuals may not always have the legal documentation to live and work in the United States, she argued that the vast majority are hardworking and law-abiding, contributing to the nation in meaningful ways. “They may not be citizens,” she said, “but they are paying taxes, and they are faithful members of our communities.” Bishop Budde stressed the concern many of these workers’ children have about the potential loss of their parents due to immigration enforcement.

The bishop also urged President Trump to show compassion for refugees fleeing violence and persecution abroad, asking him to consider their suffering as he made decisions on U.S. foreign and immigration policy.

The president’s response, however, was less than enthusiastic. When asked about the service later, President Trump dismissed it as “not too exciting,” suggesting that “they could do much better.” This remark came the day after he signed several executive orders aimed at curbing immigration, including one that restricted the admission of refugees and another that moved to redefine gender in the eyes of the federal government.

While the reverend’s sermon was a call for compassion and understanding, President Trump’s policy actions were focused on enforcing stricter immigration controls and prioritizing the interests of American citizens. For many conservatives, these moves were seen as fulfilling campaign promises to protect American workers and reduce illegal immigration, even as others, like Bishop Budde, called for more humane and inclusive solutions.