President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized a bishop at the National Prayer Service who pleaded for him to “have mercy” on undocumented immigrants and stressed the fears that LGBTQ people feel at this moment.
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives,” Rev. Mariann Budde said at the annual prayer service the president attends the day after their inauguration.
“The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras, and temples,” Budde said. “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away.”
“Not too exciting, was it? I didn’t think it was a good service. No. They can do much better,” Trump said after the service, criticizing the bishop.
As Trump returns to power, LGBTQ people and undocumented immigrants have expressed fears about what his second term could mean for them. Trump on Monday signed an executive order that directs the federal government to stop recognizing nonbinary or “other” gender markers on government documents. And he issued a string of anti-immigration orders meant to crack down on illegal immigration, promising massive raids in cities to round up undocumented immigrants.
