On January 21, during a church 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.
