“One voice can change a room, and if one voice can change a room, then it can change a city, and if it can change a city, it can change a state, and if it change a state, it can change a nation, and if it can change a nation, it can change the world. Your voice can change the world.” -Barack Obama
It took the courage of one woman to change the conversation around Donald Trump. At a national prayer service where Trump, Vice President Vance, and their families were in attendance, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde ended her sermon with a plea to the incoming president. She asked that he show mercy to immigrants and LGBTQ Americans. Edgar Budde, the Washington Bishop of the Episcopal Church, chose her words and timing carefully. She didn’t use the pulpit to denounce Trump; she simply asked that he and his administration show basic humanity to their fellow man.
It was a powerful statement, and the CSPAN footage of Trump, Vance, and their family’s faces reacting to Edgar Budde’s words made it even more powerful. Donald Trump and his cronies have always been incredibly thin-skinned, unable to take even basic direct criticism. Their immediate reaction was a reminder of this. Back at the White House, Trump ranted to reporters that the service wasn’t good or exciting, saying “they could do better.” He later demanded an apology on TruthSocial.
The clip went viral online and made the front page of multiple news sites. It changed the conversation from Trump’s shock and awe to the people and communities who are now in harm’s way. It was a reminder of what courage looks like. Something we haven’t seen much of since Trump’s election in November.
We’ve already seen so much capitulation to Trump and MAGA. From people and institutions we expected and from those we thought would do better. From news organizations settling lawsuits in the hopes of avoiding Trump’s wrath to Democratic Governors raising the American flag on Inauguration Day to Democratic elected releasing statements about working with the Trump Administration. The CEOs who donated to Trump’s inauguration or attended in person in hopes of currying favor.
Fear is a weapon Donald Trump wields expertly and with precision. Even Republicans know that crossing Trump might lead to MAGA foot soldiers coming for you. Starting with the 1,500 insurrectionists Trump just pardoned. Fear is also the reason, understandably, why you haven’t seen as many organized protests and direct actions against the incoming Administration. Trump wants all of us, to his opposition to his closest supporters to fear him and his power. This time around, he’s had incredible success creating that culture.
Knowing all this, one can’t help but admire Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for speaking truth to power -- right in power’s face. There’s no personal upside for her here. There is little to be gained other than being the enemy of the day in right-wing media and the threats and harassment she’s undoubtedly now receiving. Watching her explain her decision on CNN, I’m struck by her bravery and humility. All while clearly grappling with the moment herself.
I hope this moment is a spark. That it inspires others to step up and find the bravery to do the right thing when called upon. I’ve made my peace with the fact that many will fall short, but I’m heartened knowing that even in our darkest hour, we live amongst people who will choose courage over fear and stand in solidarity with those who need it most.