President Trump’s direct address at the start of his first full day in office was a notable moment in a traditionally apolitical event at the National Cathedral.
As Bishop Marion Edgar Budd neared the end of her homily for Tuesday’s opening prayer service, she took a breath and asked President Donald J. She looked directly at Trump.
“I ask you to have compassion on the people of our country who are in fear right now,” said Bishop Budd, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. “Democratic, Republican and independent families have gay, lesbian and transgender children and fear for their lives.”
The direct appeal was a notable moment for Mr. Trump at the start of his first full day in office. Twenty-four hours after reclaiming the nation’s highest office in a broad display of power by calling tech billionaires as witnesses and signing a slew of executive orders, he suddenly faced a public backlash from an unexpected source: a soft-spoken bishop.
“The vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” Bishop Budd said. “Mr. President, I ask you to have compassion for those in our communities who have children who fear their parents will be taken away, and that you help those fleeing war zones and persecution in their own countries to find compassion and acceptance here.”
Sitting in the front row of the Washington National Cathedral, Mr. Trump looked down and then away. Vice President J.D. Vance raised his eyebrows and glanced several times at his wife, Usha Vance, who returned her gaze to the bishop. When Mr. Budd finished, Mr. Trump said something to Mr. Vance, who shook his head in visible exasperation. Members of the Trump family, seated directly behind them, appeared to be looking at each other, visibly upset. Eric Trump, Mr. Trump’s middle son, nodded.
That’s not how Mr. Trump is usually spoken to when he returns to the White House. After winning the election, he has been courted by powerful business leaders and politicians, including many absent during his first term. Earlier in the day, he celebrated his return with an inauguration ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda, a rally surrounded by supporters and a series of inaugural balls. Former President Joseph R. Even Biden Jr. greeted Mr. Trump at the White House, saying, “Welcome home.”
