At least one MAGA member denies free speech and calls for religious persecution — and it’s only the second day of the Donald Trump administration.
Trump was in Washington, D.C., for a national prayer service Tuesday when New Jersey-born Bishop Mariann Budde implored him during the service to have “mercy” toward undocumented immigrants and other marginalized groups, that Trump targeted during the service. his campaign.
Budde is the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C.
“Millions of people trust you,” Budde said. “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people of our country who are afraid right now.”
As Trump looked away, she continued from the pulpit: “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some of whom fear for their lives. And the people, the ones who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who work in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash dishes after eating in restaurants, and who work night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or lack the required documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.
When Budde finished his sermon, Trump and Vice President JD Vance – seated in the same row – exchanged disgusted looks.
Later, when video of the remarks surfaced on Twitter/X, Georgia Rep. Mike Collins retweeted the clip with a tweet that said, “The person giving this sermon should be added to the deportation list.” »
In short, Collins is seeking the expulsion of a U.S. citizen and clergy member for delivering a sermon consistent with the teachings of Jesus, the Episcopal Church, and Christianity in general.
When asked for his reaction to the service, Trump responded: “What did you think? Did you like it, did you find it exciting? Not very exciting, is it? I didn’t think it was good service. No, thank you very much. They could do much better.
In 2020, when Trump asked police to use tear gas on protesters to chase them away so he could use historic St. John’s Church for a photo op with an upside-down Bible, Budde l ‘denounced.
“The president just used a Bible and one of the churches in my diocese as a backdrop for a message antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and everything our church stands for,” Budde said. “To do this, he authorized the use of tear gas by police officers in riot gear to clear the church courtyard. I am outraged.
The bishop should prepare himself. Immigration authorities may soon visit his church. The new Trump administration rejected policies limiting where immigration arrests could take place. Immigration enforcement officers will now be able to arrest migrants in sensitive locations like schools and churches.
The decision announced Tuesday reverses guidelines that for more than a decade have prevented two key federal immigration agencies – Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection – from conducting checks. immigration in sensitive places.
The AP contributed to this report.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
