Following President Donald Trump's criticism of her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde offered her perspective on the situation. During the service, which marked Trump's first full day of his second term, Bishop Budde's message centered on unity, while also addressing specific concerns regarding Trump's stance on issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Trump and Vice President JD Vance appeared impassive during the sermon, and the president later expressed his disapproval to reporters.

In a subsequent CNN interview, Bishop Budde characterized Trump's reaction as "muted," acknowledging that she maintains realistic expectations when delivering sermons and doesn't solely rely on immediate reactions to gauge their impact. She emphasized her commitment to conveying her beliefs regardless of the response.

Trump's concise assessment of the service, shared with reporters at the White House, was that it wasn't "exciting" and could have been "much better." Bishop Budde considered his reaction "respectful," noting that while he expressed his dislike, other feedback she received was less courteous. She highlighted her aim to foster respectful dialogue even amidst differing viewpoints.

Bishop Budde explained that her direct address to the president during the sermon was intentional, serving as a message to both him and the wider audience. She sought to remind everyone of the shared humanity of those who feel apprehensive in the current political climate, particularly immigrant communities and LGBTQ+ individuals, groups she believes have been unfairly portrayed during the political campaign. Her call for "mercy" and "broader compassion" was a plea to recognize the vulnerability of these groups.

Trump later intensified his critique of Bishop Budde on Truth Social, labeling her a "Radical Left hard line Trump hater" and accusing her of inappropriately injecting her church into politics.