Trump gives cutting 5-word comment after Bishop asks him to ‘have mercy’ on LGBTQ+ people and migrants

Within his first 24 hours as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders addressing key issues, including gender identity policies and immigration reform. During a service held on January 21 at the Washington National Cathedral, Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Bishop of Washington, directed a plea to the new president, calling for compassion and understanding toward vulnerable communities.

The Bishop’s Message

In her address, Right Rev. Budde urged President Trump to consider the fears and concerns of certain groups within the nation. She stated, “Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God.

“I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are children in families across the political spectrum who fear for their future. And the people who contribute to our society—those who work in agriculture, clean buildings, labor in food production, or support the healthcare system—many of them are immigrants, and the majority are not criminals.”

Donald Trump wasted no time signing off on multiple executive ordesr (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Budde also highlighted the concerns of families worried about separation due to immigration policies and the plight of individuals fleeing from war zones or persecution.

President Trump’s Reaction

After attending the service, President Trump reportedly described it as “not too exciting” and suggested improvements could be made, stating, “They could do much better.”

Right Rev. Budde issued a ‘plea’ to the president (CBS News)

Executive Orders in Focus

Among the executive orders issued on his first day in office, one outlined a policy emphasizing the recognition of biological sex as binary and immutable. The order mandated federal agencies to align their policies and regulations with this definition, removing any language or directives promoting alternative gender identities.

Additionally, immigration reform featured prominently in the executive actions. These included measures to strengthen border security, limit birthright citizenship, and address unauthorized immigration. The orders also focused on the classification of certain non-citizens, outlining plans to enhance protections against perceived national security threats and ensure the territorial integrity of the United States.

Moving Forward

The bishop’s address at the National Cathedral reflected broader calls for unity and compassion in the face of evolving national policies. As the new administration implements its agenda, public and religious leaders continue to emphasize the importance of balancing enforcement with empathy.