Bishop lectures Trump to his face during prayer service: 'I ask you to have mercy'
MSNBCJAN 22
Bishop Confronts Trump During Inaugural Prayer Service
Above: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde (L) and Pres. Donald Trump during the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The bishop demonstrated moral courage by speaking truth to power and maintaining her principles by defending vulnerable communities. Her sermon embodied religious leadership's responsibility to advocate for justice and human dignity, especially when confronting policies threatening marginalized groups.
Republican narrative
The bishop inappropriately politicized a sacred traditional ceremony, disrespecting both the office of the presidency and the solemn nature of the prayer service. Her partisan activism undermined the unifying purpose of the inaugural prayer service and reflected poorly on the church.