Held at Washington’s National Cathedral on Tuesday, the prayer service featured a sermon from Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde that left many surprised. Known for her outspoken views, Bishop Budde directed her message to President Trump, making a series of pointed remarks and requests that resonated beyond the walls of the cathedral.
“Let me make one final plea, Mr. President,” she said toward the end of her 15-minute address. The bishop’s words, seen by some as unusually direct for an inaugural sermon, touched on themes of unity, justice, and moral leadership. Her tone and choice of words have since sparked discussions across social media and political circles, with supporters praising her boldness and critics questioning the appropriateness of her remarks at such an event.
President Trump’s response to the sermon has also drawn attention. While he did not address it immediately during the service, reports suggest he later offered a reaction that has fueled further debate about the intersection of religion and politics in national events.
The moment serves as a reminder of the powerful platform such ceremonies provide for faith leaders, as well as the unique dynamics that emerge when messages of moral accountability are directed at the highest office in the land.
