Late-night social media activity surged once more as President Donald Trump revived his characteristic “mean tweets,” this time targeting a controversial bishop from Washington, D.C., in a sharp late-night diatribe. At 12:39 a.m. (EST), Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who had delivered remarks at the National Prayer Service earlier that day.
“The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hardline Trump hater. She brought her church into the realm of politics in a very ungracious manner,” Trump stated.
“She was unpleasant in her tone, lacking both persuasiveness and intelligence. She neglected to mention the significant number of illegal migrants who have entered our country and caused harm. Many of these individuals were released from jails and mental health facilities.”
He further asserted, “A substantial crime wave is currently affecting the USA. Aside from her inappropriate comments, the service itself was exceedingly dull and uninspiring. She is not particularly competent in her role! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
The uproar originated from Budde’s sermon during the prominent prayer service, which many observers felt strayed into partisan discourse. Rather than emphasizing unity, Budde utilized the occasion to urge Trump and Vice President JD Vance to demonstrate “mercy” on progressive matters, including illegal immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have placed their trust in you. And as you conveyed to the nation yesterday, you have sensed the guiding hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I implore you to show mercy to those in our country who are currently fearful,” Budde implored.
As she spoke, Trump and Vance were observed exchanging glances, with sources present at the event noting their evident irritation at the bishop’s comments.
“The individuals who harvest our crops and maintain our office buildings, who work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who clean the dishes after our meals in restaurants, and who serve the night shifts in hospitals, may not be citizens or possess the necessary documentation.”
Critics swiftly labeled Budde’s address as a transparent political assault cloaked in religious language. Many condemned her for utilizing the pulpit to advance a progressive agenda, while her supporters defended her right to address social justice matters.
In characteristic fashion, Trump promptly reacted, taking to his Truth Social account to criticize Budde and her church. His impassioned post reflected his usual tone, denouncing the bishop’s comments as “nasty” and “uninspiring.”
Although the bishop’s statements elicited dismissive reactions from Trump and Vance, the administration quickly shifted to implement its agenda. On his first full day in office, Trump enacted a series of executive orders aimed at curbing illegal immigration and reversing progressive initiatives.
Among the actions taken was a national emergency declaration concerning the southern border, which permitted the immediate deployment of military forces to address what Trump referred to as “an invasion.” Furthermore, he issued an executive order halting asylum and refugee programs, citing concerns over security.
On the cultural front, Trump adopted a stringent position regarding gender identity policies, signing an order mandating that all federal agencies recognize gender solely as male or female. The administration also reinstated the prohibition on transgender individuals serving in the military, reversing the policies established during the Biden administration.
