Mariann Edgar Budde: The Bishop Donald Trump Called "Nasty"

By Alex Assoune Jan 23, 2025

In the annals of contemporary U.S. political discourse, the intersection of faith, politics, and public figures often leads to drama, controversy, and sometimes, unexpected confrontation. One such moment was captured when Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, D.C., found herself at the center of a national conversation after publicly challenging President Donald Trump during his second inauguration prayer service. The incident, which unfolded at the Washington National Cathedral, led to Trump labeling her as "nasty" in a social media outburst, marking a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of religion and politics in America.

Who is Mariann Edgar Budde?

Mariann Edgar Budde was elected as the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington in 2011, becoming the first woman to hold this position. Before her elevation to bishop, she served for 18 years as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, where she was known for her leadership in growing the congregation from 100 to about 400 members. Her tenure in Minnesota was marked by community engagement and advocacy, particularly in areas of racial equity, immigration reform, gun violence prevention, and the full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community within the church.

Born in 1959, Budde has a rich background in theology, holding a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Rochester, and both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary. Her work extends beyond pastoral duties into authorship, with several books to her name, including "How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith."

The Incident at the National Cathedral

The controversy began during the inaugural prayer service for Trump's second term in January 2025. Bishop Budde used her platform during the sermon to directly address the President, who was seated in the front row, with a plea for mercy. Knowing Trump's policies, especially those concerning immigration and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, she urged him to reconsider his stance in light of Christian values of compassion and inclusion.

Her exact words were, "Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now." She specifically mentioned "gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives," and highlighted the contributions of immigrants, noting, "the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals."

Trump's Reaction

Trump's response was swift and characteristic of his method of dealing with criticism via social media. Late on the night following the service, he took to Truth Social, his social media platform, to lambast Budde. He referred to her as "a Radical Left hard line Trump hater" and described her sermon as "nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart." He further demanded an apology from both Budde and the Episcopal Church, claiming they "owe the public an apology!" for bringing politics into a sacred space.

This reaction illuminated the tension between Trump's administration, which often adopted policies seen by critics as antithetical to Christian teachings of love and inclusion, and religious leaders who felt compelled to critique these policies from a moral standpoint.

Public and Political Reaction

The response to Budde's sermon and Trump's subsequent attack was polarized. On one side, many in the liberal and moderate Christian communities praised Budde for her courage in speaking truth to power, with some calling her sermon "apostolic" and "brave." Others, including prominent figures in civil rights and social justice, lauded her for highlighting the human cost of recent policy decisions.

Conversely, conservative voices, particularly from within Trump's base, criticized Budde for what they perceived as an inappropriate political sermon in a religious setting. Some conservative commentators went as far as to suggest punitive actions like adding her to a "deportation list," despite her being a U.S. citizen, showcasing the depth of the divide.

Budde's Response and the Broader Implications

In the aftermath, Bishop Budde appeared on several media outlets to discuss her sermon and Trump's reaction. On CNN, she articulated her intent was not to politicize the service but to remind everyone of the humanity of those who are often vilified in political rhetoric. In an interview with NPR, she stood firm, saying she would "not apologize" for her sermon, emphasizing her role as an advocate for those marginalized by policies she believes run counter to Christian values.

This event brought to the forefront several critical issues:

The Role of Religion in Politics: Budde's sermon and Trump's response highlighted how religion can both unite and divide, especially when religious leaders feel compelled to speak out against policies they see as unjust.
Freedom of Speech and Religion: The incident underscored the complexities of free speech when it comes from a religious leader, particularly one addressing a political figure directly during a national ceremony.
The Relationship Between Church and State: Budde's actions and Trump's reaction raised questions about the separation of church and state, with many debating where the line should be drawn between religious commentary and political activism.
The Power of Words: Both Budde's sermon and Trump's social media posts demonstrated the enduring power of words to influence public opinion, spark debate, and even shape policy.

Legacy and Reflection

Mariann Edgar Budde's confrontation with Donald Trump at the National Cathedral will likely be remembered as a defining moment in her career and in the discourse of religion intersecting with politics. It showcased her as not just a spiritual leader but also a moral one, willing to use her position to advocate for those she felt were at risk under the current political regime.

The incident also serves as a case study in modern American political culture where religious leaders like Budde are increasingly vocal in their critique of political actions, challenging the notion that faith should remain apolitical. Her stand might inspire others in positions of religious authority to speak out, potentially influencing future interactions between church and state.

In the broader context, this event underlines the ongoing struggle over the interpretation of religious teachings in the public square, where compassion, justice, and inclusion are debated not just in policy but in the very heart of America's oldest institutions. As society moves forward, the dialogue between faith leaders and political figures will continue to shape the moral landscape of the nation, with figures like Bishop Budde playing pivotal roles in this narrative.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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