On January 21, during a service, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of Washington
urged President Trump and Vice President JD Vance to show mercy to the
LGBTQ+ community, asking for compassion toward scared LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants.
Trump’s administration had recently signed executive orders, including one
declaring there are only two genders and halting government programs promoting
diversity. After Budde’s plea, Trump was seen leaning toward Vance, and lip-reader Jeremy
Freeman suggested Trump called her comments “vile.” Trump later criticized
Budde online, calling her ungracious and unwise, and demanded an apology. Previously,
Trump vowed to end federal programs promoting gender transition and reverse
protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, healthcare, and employment.
