Bishop begs Donald Trump to have “mercy” on LGBTQ+ people and immigrants

At a prayer service held today for Donald Trump’s inauguration, a clergy member implored Trump to show “mercy” towards LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants. Trump was seated in the first pew, accompanied by his family and J.D. Vance and his family.

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a message at the National Cathedral’s service, urging Trump to “find compassion.”

“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde stated. “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”

She also addressed the issue of immigrants, portraying them not as rapists but as diligent workers vital to American society, according to ‘LGBTQ Nation’.

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

Later, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the service to the press, describing it as “not too exciting,” according to The Hill. “They could do much better,” he commented.

Trump has already signed numerous executive orders targeting trans individuals and immigrants, consistent with the rhetoric of his campaign. His campaign invested over $215 million (approximately £175 million) in anti-trans advertisements and frequently criticised immigrants, making extreme allegations about them.