Trump Calls Bishop ‘Nasty’ After Plea for Mercy on LGBTQ and Immigrants

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday labeled Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde as “nasty” after she used her pulpit to call for mercy on immigrants and LGBTQ individuals during a National Prayer Service.

The exchange unfolded following an address by Budde at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday morning, where she appealed directly to Trump to show compassion toward marginalized communities, including LGBTQ people and immigrants.

Trump, who frequently reserves the term “nasty” for women he criticizes, took to his Truth Social platform, accusing the bishop of bringing politics into her religious duties in an “ungracious” manner. He further described her tone as “nasty,” adding that it was neither “compelling nor smart.”

“The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a radical left hard-line Trump hater,” Trump wrote. “She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart.”

This tirade followed earlier backlash from the president’s allies, who also criticized Budde’s remarks. Trump, who had been sworn in for his second term on Monday, had issued executive orders that included suspending the arrival of asylum seekers and expelling undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Trump decreed that only two sexes—male and female—would be officially recognized, denying recognition to transgender individuals.

During the service, as Trump sat in the front pew next to his wife, Melania, Budde addressed him directly. “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President,” she said, referring to the children of LGBTQ families who live in fear. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families—some who fear for their lives.”

Budde continued, pleading, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”

Though Trump remained composed during the service, his displeasure with the bishop’s remarks was evident when he later dismissed the service as “boring and uninspiring.” However, it was his subsequent social media post that escalated the situation.

“Aside from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one. She is not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!” Trump wrote.

Republican figures also weighed in on the controversy. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, in a Tuesday interview with Newsmax, criticized the bishop’s remarks, particularly in the context of Trump’s recent discussions about faith and divine purpose. “For this bishop to do this to President Trump after a weekend of, as you said, talking about God more than ever… it just absolutely amazes me how far these people go,” Tuberville said.

Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia went further, calling for Budde to be deported. “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list,” he said, offering no clear explanation for the statement.

The controversy highlights the deep political divides in the country, with religious figures, such as Bishop Budde, continuing to speak out on issues of compassion and human rights, while Trump and his allies respond with criticism of what they see as politically charged rhetoric in religious settings.