Donald Trump targeted in unexpected attack just days into his second term

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Trump is even more in the bullseye than he already was. His enemies are out to get him.

And Donald Trump was targeted in an unexpected attack just days into his second term.

President Donald Trump concluded the celebrations for the start of his second term on Tuesday morning (Jan. 21) by attending the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral. The interfaith gathering, filled with prayers, hymns, and scripture, provided a moment of reflection for the nation but also included pointed critiques from a radical Leftist bishop of the administration’s policies.

Roughly halfway through the service, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington, delivered a sermon that diverged from the celebratory tone of the day. Her message addressed the challenges of achieving “a kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division, a unity that serves the common good.” She outlined three principles for building such unity: honoring the inherent dignity of all people, embracing honesty, and practicing humility.

The sermon quickly turned personal, as Budde launched an attack on President Trump. She referenced his statement in his inaugural address that he believes he was spared by God from being assassinated last year.

“Millions have put their trust in you. As you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said.

She expressed specific concern for LGBTQ individuals, particularly children, who may feel targeted by the administration’s policies. The sentiment was prompted by an executive order signed by Trump the previous evening, which denounced “gender ideology” and affirmed a binary view of gender.

Budde also spoke passionately about immigrants, a group she said was under siege due to Trump’s proposed policies. She highlighted their vital contributions to society, noting they “pick our crops” and “work the night shift in hospitals.”

“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she oddly stated. “They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras, and temples.”

Budde’s remarks came as Trump prepared to act on immigration policies, including mass deportations and an executive order to end birthright citizenship. She pleaded for mercy, urging the president to show compassion toward families fearing separation and refugees fleeing war and persecution.

“Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land,” Budde said.

When Budde passed by the president at the end of the service, Trump stared straight ahead, seemingly ignoring her.

The service, referred to as a “National Prayer Service” by Trump’s team and as “A Service of Prayer for the Nation” by Cathedral officials, featured prayers and readings from a wide range of faith traditions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh voices.

Among the attendees were First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, members of Trump’s family, and prominent evangelical supporters.

The event marked a departure from past practice, with Budde being announced as the preacher before Election Day, limiting the incoming administration’s influence over the service. The move was likely an effort to avoid controversy, as the Cathedral faced backlash in 2017 for hosting Trump’s first inaugural prayer service. At the time, critics, including former Cathedral Dean Rev. Gary Hall, accused the institution of legitimizing Trump’s presidency.

Despite the tensions, Budde defended the Cathedral’s decision to host the service, emphasizing the importance of dialogue with those who see the world differently. Her stance was consistent with her record as a vocal critic of Trump during his first term, particularly after the controversial clearing of Lafayette Square in 2020 for a Trump photo op in front of St. John’s Church.

“The symbolism of him holding a Bible … as a prop and standing in front of our church as a backdrop when everything that he has said is antithetical to the teachings of our traditions and what we stand for as a church — I was horrified,” Budde said at the time to Religion News Service.

You can watch Budde’s comments below, but take note of Donald Trump’s annoyed look on his face at the ridiculous attack by the bishop:

Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.