On January 21, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde urged President Trump and Vice President JD Vance to show mercy to the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the struggles of scared LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants. She called for compassion during a service, shortly after the administration signed executive orders defining only two genders and halting diversity programs.
Following Budde’s remarks, Trump reportedly leaned toward Vance, with lip-reader Jeremy Freeman suggesting he called her comments “vile.” Later, Trump criticized Budde online, describing her as “ungracious and unwise,” and demanded an apology.
Previously, Trump vowed to dismantle federal programs supporting gender transitions and reverse protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, healthcare, and employment.
