In the conclusion of her sermon, Budde addressed the president directly. On his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders targeting transgender individuals and immigration. The bishop responded to those acts by asking Trump to "have mercy" for members of the LGBTQ+ community and for immigrants.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for an apology from Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde after she made a direct appeal to him for “mercy” toward LGBT-identified Americans and illegal immigrants during an inaugural prayer service.