Bishop Marian Bard says she won't apologize for preaching to Trump

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Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde defended her decision to deliver a bold and compassionate sermon directly to Trump during a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday . On Wednesday, Budd stood by her remarks and made clear she had no regrets during an appearance on NPR's “All Things Considered.” “I don't hate the president, I pray for him,” Budd said. “I don't think it's necessary to apologize for asking for forgiveness.” During his 15-minute sermon, Budd made a direct appeal to Trump, who sat in the front row with Vice President Vance, calling on him to show compassion and show concern for the country's most vulnerable. Compassion for the vulnerable. “Millions of people trust you,” she said. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on those in our country who are afraid right now.” Bard's sermon came just one day after Trump issued a series of executive orders targeting marginalized communities. They include an order denying transgender status on the grounds of “false claims” and another seeking to end birthright citizenship, which has prompted legal challenges. In her sermon, Budd spoke of the fears her congregants and others across the country face under Trump's policies. “There are gay and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some of whom fear for their lives,” Budd said. “Those who pick our crops and clean our office buildings; those who labor on poultry farms and meatpacking plants; those who wash dishes after we eat in restaurants, and those who work the night shift in hospitals — they may not be citizens , and may not have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors.” However, Trump responded quickly. In an article published on Truth Social, he criticized Bader, calling her a “radical left-wing hardline Trump hater” and accusing her of “splitting her rhetoric in a very disrespectful way.” The Church is brought into the world of politics.” Trump went on to describe her sermon as having an “obnoxious tone” and claiming it was “not compelling or wise.” Despite the backlash, Budd told NPR she remains steadfast in her message. She explained that her remarks were sincere, rooted in her faith, and intended to urge the president to embrace the values of unity and compassion in a divided country. “I decided to ask for his mercy as gently as I could,” Budd said, emphasizing the dangers of labeling immigrants or transgender people in harmful, blanket terms. “I decided to appeal to the president,” she said. “In order to unite as a country with so much diversity, we need mercy. We need compassion. We need empathy.” Budd's direct approach drew both praise and criticism. Some praised her courage to address Trump directly in such a high-profile setting, while others, including a Republican congressman, accused her of politicizing the prayer service. One congressman even suggested that Bard, a U.S.-born citizen, should be “added to the deportation list.” Still, Budd told NPR she remains focused on advocating for vulnerable groups and challenging rhetoric that fuels fear and division. “I'm not going to apologize for asking for mercy,” she reiterated. Like this: Like Loading… Discover more from Baller AlertSubscribe to get the latest posts delivered to your email.

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