Lip reader decodes Trump family's reactions to Bishop Mariann Budde's rebuke directed at the president

WASHINGTON, DC: A forensic lip reader has revealed the private whispers exchanged by Donald Trump’s family during a tense moment at the National Prayer Service, where Bishop Mariann Budde lectured the newly-inaugurated president on the importance of respecting immigrants and LGBTQ+ citizens.

The service, held at Washington National Cathedral on January 21, featured an interfaith gathering in which Budde delivered a strong message calling on Trump to show 'mercy' to those who fear his policies.

Donald Trump's family's whispered reactions decoded 

As the first family attended the service, Bishop Mariann Budde made remarks that appeared to criticize Trump’s administration, particularly on issues surrounding immigration, the Daily Mail reported.

Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman was able to decode the whispered conversations among Trump’s family members as they reacted to the Bishop’s powerful words.

Budde's remarks about people's "hopes and dreams" being probably lost with the new presidential term seemed to cause a stir in the president's entourage. 

According to Freeman, Tiffany Trump turned to her husband Michael Boulos, and said, “Can you believe it?” as Eric Trump turned to look at his wife Lara Trump

Freeman also decoded Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, saying to someone off-screen, “I can’t believe it, no,” after listening to Budde’s remarks.

As the Bishop continued and mentioned “saying and doing things we might regret," Trump who had appeared stone-faced throughout the event, was caught on camera turning to his wife Melania, and saying, “Can you believe it?” Freeman reports that this remark caused Melania to smile in response.

According to Freeman, Tiffany then turned to her husband and said, “Good and evil.” 

Freeman reported that as Budde spoke about migrants working hard in restaurants and farms, Tiffany again turned to Boulos, and said, “This [is] crazy.” Freeman claims Boulos responded by shaking his head,

The moment of discomfort seemed to escalate further as Budde spoke about the fears of immigrant families.

"I ask you to have mercy, Mr President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing warzones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here," Budde remarked.

Body language expert analyzes Donald Trump family's reactions

Body language expert Judi James observed that there were signs of a “group or herd response” from the Trump family during the service.

“Ivanka and Lara look like the first two on the benches behind Trump to smell a problem brewing," she said and added, "Don Jr has a poker face with his chin raised and Eric's pursed, puckered facial expression doesn't seem to register concern or to change at all."

She added, "But then even Don Jr glances to the side and Tiffany looks at her husband in a tie-sign that hints at some embarrassment or awkwardness. Lara looks like the most politically aware of the family group. She manages to sustain a stoic part-smile but her frequent eye-flick glances to Trump suggest she's wanting to tune into his reaction and display loyalty."

After the service, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticize Bishop Budde, calling her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accusing her of using the pulpit for political purposes.

Trump described the prayer service as “very boring and uninspiring” and claimed Budde failed to mention the negative impacts of illegal immigration, including alleged crime waves.

Internet says 'Trump squad unimpressed'

Media personality Collin Rugg posted a video on January 22, 2025, showing Trump, his family, Vice President JD Vance, and his wife sitting with stone-faced expressions during Bishop Mariann Budde’s speech.

Rugg captioned the video, "The entire Trump squad is unimpressed as a far-left activist bishop lectures them on showing "mercy" to LGBT children and illegal immigrants."

As the video gained traction, netizens quickly took to X to share their thoughts, with many commenting on the family's apparent lack of engagement and unease during the service.

A user wrote, "JDs face says it all... 'are you hearing this c**p?'"

Another added, "The one guy thinking "Wonder what Trump is going to say about this." Everyone else can hardly believe."

One commentator remarked, "I dont think I would have been able to keep my composure like they did. But they respected the protocol and tradition even though IMO it was completely inappropriate in that time and space."

"Melania is NOT impressed," said an X user.

A person stated, "That took grace to sit there while a Marxist Bishop held them hostage."

Another chimed in, "Looks like whole trump team would have got shocked and wanted to leave as soon as possible from that."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.