MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow asked Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde about the “nastygram” President Donald Trump sent after her sermon calling for mercy towards migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. Budde had received numerous threats, including death threats, since the service.
Maddow asked Budde if she wanted to respond to Trump’s attack and the threats she received. Budde said she had received messages from people wishing her dead, and while they did not explicitly threaten to kill her, they seemed to be pleased if she died sooner rather than later.
Budde used the opportunity to encourage a respectful conversation, stating that people can disagree without being contemptuous or extreme. She also expressed hope that the country could return to a time where people could engage in respectful disagreements and work together to address common problems.
Maddow noted that Budde’s ministry, as a teaching and leading position, was meant to inspire such reactions, but also expressed condolences for the vitriol Budde had received. Budde thanked Maddow and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her views.