Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) harshly criticized comments made by right-wing pastor Marian Budde at the inaugural prayer service held for President Trump on Tuesday.
“The person who gave this sermon should be added to the deportation list,” Collins wrote. Post to X Includes clip of Budde's comments.
Collins' statement comes after President Trump promised to carry out the largest deportation in the country's history.
The former president enacted a slew of border security legislation on Monday, including the “Remain in Mexico” program, which requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico until their U.S. immigration court dates, as well as the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app. Closed. Facilitate reservations for immigration procedures.
During the service, Budde begged for mercy for communities likely to be affected by President Trump's new policies.
Budde said that while undocumented immigrants currently face increased deportation measures, this demographic is “good neighbors.”
“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors,” she declared.
“They are faithful members of our churches, mosques, synagogues and temples.”
She also highlighted the LGBTQ community earlier in her speech.
In his inaugural address, the president declared that the United States recognizes only two genders, male and female, and hours later signed an executive order approving this directive.
“In the name of our God, have mercy on the people of this country who are scared right now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families. Their lives are in danger. Some people feel that way,” Budde said.
Later that day, President Trump took issue with the message.
“It wasn't very exciting, was it? I didn't think it was good service. Thank you very much. They can do it, they can do it better,” he told reporters.
