During the National Prayer Service following his inauguration, President Donald Trump faced pointed remarks from Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who urged him to “have mercy” on transgender children and illegal immigrants. Her comments came on the heels of Trump signing a series of decisive executive orders aimed at ending far-left gender ideology in government institutions and securing the southern border.
“In the name of our God, I ask you, to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said, focusing on transgender youth and undocumented immigrants. She highlighted the plight of individuals she described as vulnerable, including children fearing deportation of their parents and transgender individuals concerned about Trump’s new policies.
The president’s executive actions, signed late Monday, directly address these issues. One order recognizes only two biological sexes and bars federal agencies from promoting gender ideology in their operations or through taxpayer funds. Another declares a national emergency at the southern border and sets the stage for mass deportations of illegal aliens. Trump also issued orders to curtail birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants and designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
Bishop Budde’s remarks included a plea for compassion toward undocumented immigrants, whom she characterized as essential members of society. “They pick our crops, clean our offices, and labor in our hospitals and restaurants,” she said, adding that they are “faithful members of our churches.” The bishop also urged Trump to welcome refugees fleeing war zones and persecution, calling for “compassion and welcome here.”
Budde’s criticism aligns with her history of opposing Trump’s policies. In 2020, she publicly condemned Trump after federal law enforcement dispersed protesters near the White House during a Black Lives Matter demonstration, calling his actions “antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.”
For conservatives, Trump’s executive orders represent a long-awaited stand against radical ideology and unchecked immigration policies that have undermined American sovereignty. While critics like Budde call for leniency, Trump’s supporters view his actions as essential steps to restore order, protect families, and uphold traditional values. Far from being a departure from compassion, these policies seek to safeguard the integrity of the nation for all Americans, regardless of background.