Millions Tune In to Witness President Trump’s Inauguration as Bishop Mariann Budde Delivers a Powerful Sermon
The inauguration of President Donald Trump was a monumental event watched by millions worldwide, not just across the United States but also internationally. While the ceremony was filled with the traditional pomp and circumstance, one particular moment stood out and sparked widespread discussion: the powerful sermon delivered by Bishop Mariann Budde. Addressing pressing social issues, her words struck a chord with many while raising eyebrows at the nature and tone of the message during such a historic occasion.
A Sermon That Shocked and Challenged
In her 15-minute sermon, Bishop Mariann Budde took the opportunity to speak directly to President Donald Trump, issuing heartfelt pleas and pointed critiques. Her address began with an acknowledgment of the gravity of the moment and the trust millions had placed in Trump as the nation’s new leader.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” Budde stated. “Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God.”
With this opening, she urged the president to extend mercy and compassion, particularly toward marginalized communities. Her words turned more poignant as she highlighted specific groups who, during Trump’s campaign and early administration, had expressed fears for their future.
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families,” Budde declared, her voice steady. “Some of these children fear for their lives.” Her statement directly referenced the concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community over potential policies that could affect their rights and safety under the new administration.
Bishop Budde also used her platform to critique some of President Trump’s executive orders, which had already stirred controversy. She referenced policies that sought to reinforce the biological distinctions between men and women, declare a national emergency at the southern border, and end birthright citizenship.
“The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants; who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals – they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors,” Budde asserted, addressing the often-overlooked contributions of undocumented immigrants to American society.
Her plea extended further: “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. And that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here. Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger. For we were all once strangers in this land.”
Bishop Budde’s History of Criticism Toward Trump
This was not the first time Bishop Budde had been vocal about her disagreements with President Trump. In 2020, she openly criticized Trump after he posed with a Bible outside St. John’s Episcopal Church following the clearing of racial justice protesters with chemical agents. At the time, she remarked, “Everything he has said and done is to inflame violence. We need moral leadership, and he’s done everything to divide us.”
Her sermon during the inauguration only added to her reputation as a vocal advocate for social justice and equality, challenging leaders to rise to higher moral standards.
Polarizing Reactions
As expected, the bishop’s sermon drew mixed reactions. While many praised her courage and moral stance, others saw her words as inappropriate for the occasion. President Trump himself offered a brief critique, stating, “I didn’t think it was a good service.”
Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Representative Mike Collins of Georgia took to social media to express his disapproval. “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list,” he wrote, stirring further debate over the bishop’s pointed address.
A Call for Compassion Amid Division
Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon at President Trump’s inauguration was a bold reminder of the deep divisions and urgent social issues facing the United States. Her words continue to resonate with those advocating for marginalized communities, urging compassion, inclusivity, and justice.
Whether viewed as a necessary challenge to authority or an inappropriate critique during a ceremonial moment, Budde’s sermon undeniably left an indelible mark on an already historic day. As the nation moves forward, her words stand as a call to action for leaders to govern with mercy and humanity at the forefront.
