Right Rev Mariann Budde’s appeal amounts to bold public criticism and prompts frosty response from US president

In an inaugural prayer service sermon, the Episcopal bishop of Washington appealed directly to Donald Trump to “have mercy upon” communities across the country targeted by the new administration’s immigration and LGBTQ+ policies.

Speaking from the pulpit at the Washington national cathedral, the Right Rev Mariann Budde delivered her sermon – and an impassioned plea – as Trump sat stone-faced in the front row, alongside Melania Trump and JD Vance. Asked later about the service, Trump told reporters it was “not too exciting”.