Staff Reports
Bishop Marian Budde recently showcased how far some will go to inject their political agendas into sacred moments, managing to turn the National Prayer Service into yet another stage for her woke rhetoric. Instead of fostering unity, she opted for a divisive tirade aimed at President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, demonstrating a complete lack of decorum typical of the left’s most vocal detractors. This inappropriate performance was less a spiritual exercise and more a routine straight out of a liberal daytime talk show.
Budde’s claims about “gay, lesbian, and transgender children” being endangered by Trump are not only alarmist but blatantly erroneous. There is no foundation for her accusations—it’s not the Trump administration that poses a threat. In fact, the real danger comes from leftist ideologies, which often propagate fear and division among communities. Instead of embracing facts, she chose to lead with fearmongering that could mislead well-intentioned individuals into believing their lives were under threat from the president.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She's the first woman to hold the position.
She was given a great honor today, a chance to unify America around a Christian message at the dawn of a new administration. Instead, she disgraced… pic.twitter.com/IFA6a3nZno
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 21, 2025
In yet another display of her misjudgment, Budde caricatured immigrants, reducing them to mere helpers of the economy with a condescending tone. Her focus on those who “pick our crops” and “clean our office buildings” ignores the complex realities surrounding immigration and legal entry into the United States. Senator Bernie Moreno, a legal immigrant himself, rebuked her simplistic and insulting view, a sentiment echoed by many who understand the importance of legality and order in immigration policy.
The conservative response came from Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, who did not hold back in addressing Budde’s antics. He rightly stated that she sought to hijack a day meant for prayer and introspection with her political grievances. According to him, she chose to “hijack the day” rather than welcome attendees. Her actions underscore a broader issue of elites, increasingly out of touch, desperately clinging to narratives that fail to resonate with the broader American populace.
Bessent did not stop at mere criticism; he pointed out Budde’s failure to recognize the American citizens suffering from the consequences of illegal immigration. Communities are feeling overwhelmed, grappling with the repercussions of border policy failures, whether in the form of crime or economic strain. Budde’s sermon ignored the plight of working-class Americans, who are too often sacrificed on the altar of unchecked immigration and political correctness.
As soon as one strips away the theatrics and emotional manipulation, it becomes evident that Budde’s message was not just unwarranted but harmful. Her actions call for a stronger response than mere chastisement; a call for accountability from institutions like the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church is now more pertinent than ever. If the Church fails to hold figures like Budde accountable, it risks further alienating itself from the very constituents it aims to serve—all while completely misunderstanding the American spirit, which values merit, community, and genuine faith over divisive politics.
