The pastor, who called on President Trump to show mercy to transgender children and immigrants during his inauguration prayer service, said in a new interview that he has no intention of apologizing for his comments.
Bishop Marian Edgar Budd: “I'm not going to apologize for asking for mercy from others'' told Time magazine In an interview published Wednesday afternoon.
The interview came after President Trump criticized Budde as a “radical left-wing hardliner Trump hater” and asked him to apologize for his “offensive” remarks at Tuesday's service at the National Cathedral.
“The so-called bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Meeting on Tuesday morning was a hard-liner on the radical left and a Trump hater. She brought her church into politics in a very unscrupulous way. She was mean-spirited; It wasn’t convincing,’ or wise,” Trump said in a lengthy Truth social post Wednesday morning.
“She did not mention the large number of illegal immigrants who have come into our country and killed people. Many have been deposited from prisons and psychiatric hospitals,” the president added. “This is a huge crime wave happening in America. Other than her inappropriate comments, the service was very boring and uninspiring.”
President Trump also called on her and the church to apologize.
“She's not very good at her job! She and her church owe the public an apology!”
In an interview with Time, Budde rejected some of Trump's characterizations of her, saying, “I don't hate President Trump. I would go so far as to say that I am not a “radical left” person, whatever that means. That's not me. ”
As for whether he's doing a good job, Budde said, “That's for other people to judge, so he's certainly entitled to his opinion.”
Hours before Trump posted on social media, Budde made the plea during Trump's sermon, sitting in the first pew of the church service.
“Please have mercy on the people of our country who are afraid. We have gay, lesbian, transgender children, Democrats, Republicans, independent families, some of whom fear for their lives,” she said. said.
“The people who harvest our crops, clean our office buildings, work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, wash dishes after eating at restaurants, and work night shifts in hospitals are not citizens. or they may not have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she added.
In his comments on immigration, Budde noted that immigrant workers “pay taxes” and are “faithful members” of American churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples, noting that their children “don't have parents.” I am afraid that they will be taken away.” He called on President Trump to support people fleeing conflict zones and persecution.
Budde also told President Trump that the American people fear his presidency.
Asked if he wanted to encourage others to oppose Trump's policies, Budde told Time magazine, “I want people to come up with other alternatives, and we “I want to bring compassion and breadth to the public discussion of the world.”