During the interfaith inauguration service, Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, asking him to show mercy to LGBTQ+ individuals and migrant workers lacking legal documentation to reside in the United States.
Budde referenced Trump's belief that he was saved by God from an assassination and stated: "You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to show mercy to the people in our country who are now afraid."
The president demanded an immediate apology. "This pseudo-bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a radical leftist who hates Trump," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. "She was unpleasant in her tone and was neither convincing nor smart... She and her church owe the public an apology!" the message continued, as reported by Afp.
The Trump administration has already issued executive orders that revoke transgender rights and toughen immigration policies.
Upon returning to the White House, Trump was questioned about the sermon.
"It wasn't very exciting, was it?" responded the president as he walked with his team to the Oval Office. "I don't think it was a good service. They could have done much better."
The interfaith service held at the Washington National Cathedral focused primarily on national unity. Trump and Vice President JD Vance attended with their families, along with House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
In her sermon, Budde said they had gathered "to pray for unity as a people and nation, not for a deal, political or otherwise, but for the kind of unity that fosters community through diversity and division."
She added: "Unity is not partisan."
More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths.
However, a notable absence among the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among Trump's strongest supporters.
Nevertheless, some of those evangelical supporters were seated in the pews.
Robert Jeffress, a longtime Trump supporter and pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, was present, as well as Paula White-Cain, a televangelist and key spiritual advisor during Trump's first term, and Lorenzo Sewell, the pastor of Church 180 in Detroit, who delivered a spirited blessing at Monday's inauguration.
Budde, critical of "radicalized rhetoric"
The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official interfaith inauguration services for presidents of both parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.
The latest service had a different emphasis than previous ones. Its focus was on the nation rather than the new government—a plan made before Election Day.
"We are at a unique moment in our country's history, and it is time to address this differently," stated the Very Reverend Randy Hollerith, dean of the Episcopal cathedral, in a statement in October.
"This will be a service for all Americans, for the well-being of our nation, for our democracy."
The texts and songs revolved around themes of compassion and unity, including a reading from Deuteronomy 10:17-21, which speaks of caring for orphans, widows, and all those in need.
Sermons at inauguration services have often been given by ministers aligned with the incoming government. In 2021, Reverend William Barber, a progressive civil rights leader, preached before President Joe Biden at the cathedral.
Budde, who delivered this year's sermon, has joined other cathedral leaders in previously criticizing Trump, rebuking his "racialized rhetoric" and blaming him for inciting violence on January 6, 2021.
Budde was "appalled" in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, near the White House. He held a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.
The only part of Tuesday's service that seemed tailored to Trump was the inclusion of opera tenor Christopher Macchio, who also sang the national anthem at the inauguration ceremony.
The tenor sang Ave Maria, one of Trump's favorite religious songs and one that Macchio sang at a Trump rally and at the Republican National Convention.
Before the service began, Macchio performed hymns like How Great Thou Art and another Trump favorite, Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen.
As the prayer service neared its end, Trump joined others in singing America the Beautiful.
Trump also thanked many of the clergy who participated as they passed by him, except Budde, whom he ignored.