Trump, bishop trade barbs over National Prayer Service ‘transgender’ ‘illegal immigrants’ remarks

A war of words erupted between President Donald Trump and Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde following the bishop’s woke controversial remarks at the National Prayer Service focusing on transgender rights and immigration.

When asked about Budde's presentation, Trump responded dismissively to reporters outside the White House.

"Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, was it?" said Trump, in criticism of the bishop's message.

During the service, Budde had pleaded for mercy for transgender people, especially children, who she said "fear for their lives." 

The bishop also advocated for immigrants, stating that "the vast majority of them are not criminals."

The tension arose against the backdrop of Trump's recent executive order Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. 

The order aims to protect women and children from what the administration terms "woke gender ideology."

Appearing later on ABC's The View, Budde addressed the political nature of her remarks. "How could it not be politicized? We're in a hyperpolitical climate," said Budde, defending her remarks as respectful despite the contentious subject matter.

Trump's executive order emphasizes the importance of biological sex recognition in federal policy, stating that "the erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system."

Budde expressed concern about what she called "the culture of contempt.” 

"That's part of the error we breathe now," Budde told The View, explaining that she attempted to "speak a truth that needed to be said" while maintaining a “respectful” tone.

The exchange highlights growing tensions in the United States over social policies about transgender people and immigrants.