Trump Faces Calls for Compassion on Immigrants and LGBTQ+ Rights in Cathedral Sermon

President Donald Trump attended a prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, where Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde urged him to show compassion towards immigrants and respect LGBTQ+ rights. This came a day after Trump emphasized "two genders" in his inauguration speech and signed executive orders targeting immigration policies.

Budde highlighted the fears of LGBTQ+ individuals and undocumented immigrants, emphasizing their contributions to society. She pleaded for mercy, addressing the concerns of families and children facing deportation fears. "Our God teaches us to be merciful to the stranger," Budde stated, urging Trump to consider the plight of immigrants who work in critical sectors like farming, healthcare, and hospitality.

Trump, reportedly unmoved by the sermon, dismissed it as "not too exciting" when asked for a reaction. Elon Musk, a Trump supporter and owner of the social platform X, criticized Budde’s remarks, referring to them as a symptom of the "woke mind virus." Musk’s criticism is notable as he is estranged from his transgender daughter, who legally distanced herself from him in 2022.

Trump’s recent actions, including directing the military to aid in border security and restricting asylum access, have raised concerns among immigrant communities and advocates. Budde’s message reflected growing anxieties about these policies and their human impact.

While the sermon may not have resonated with Trump, it underscored key humanitarian issues facing his administration.