Melania Trump and JD Vance faced backlash for smiling or laughing during a solemn prayer at a church service on January 21.
Critics called it disrespectful, though some defended them, saying the moment was before the prayer began.
Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde later urged Trump to show compassion for LGBTQ+ people and immigrants, which led to a harsh response from Trump, who called her sermon “boring” and criticized her views on immigration.
The incident sparked debate, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and public opinion on sensitive issues.
