Bishop Marian Edgar Budde recounted that during a prayer service in January, President Trump requested “mercy” for LGBTQ children and immigrants.
Budde expressed her hopes for a pride event, saying, “I pray that it’s a really fun, exciting gathering, where people feel safe, where they feel supported, where they can laugh and learn.” She suggested that such an event could serve as a soothing remedy for hurtful rhetoric. “We all need it,” she added.
As an Anglican leader based in the Washington area, Budde gained national attention when she appealed to Trump in person during a prayer service right after his inauguration.
“Democrats, Republicans, and independent families include gay, lesbian, and transgender children. Some live in fear,” Budde remarked during that service. She pointed out that most immigrants, regardless of their documentation status, are generally good neighbors and emphasized that they are “not criminals.”
On ABC’s “The View,” shortly after her sermon, Budde mentioned she’d be open to having a one-on-one conversation with Trump but stood firm in her stance, saying, “I am not going to apologize to anyone else for asking mercy.”
Since taking office, Trump has enacted several executive orders that directly impact transgender Americans. Notably, on his first day, he declared that the U.S. would recognize only two genders—male and female—and aimed to restrict funding related to “gender ideology.” Other measures taken include barring transgender individuals from serving openly in the military and cutting federal support for gender-affirming care for minors, alongside prohibitions against transgender girls participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt recently stated that Trump has “no plan” to issue a Pride Month declaration this year.
Budde told USA Today that the themes of pride and community acceptance have gained urgency this year. “It feels like there’s a pretty offensive effort on many sides to erode the progress we’ve fought so hard for,” she said. “It’s a time of celebration and a reminder of who we are—our beloved people, with whom we stand.”
She expressed concern that efforts to divide people and spread false narratives continue unabated. “This isn’t partisan for me,” Budde stated. “I want to consistently support and uphold the values that resonate with me as a person of faith.”
