FACT CHECK: Was Protestant Leader Removed From Washington National Cathedral?

January 30th, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde speaks as President Donald Trump wa in attendance A Service of Prayer for the Nation at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday January 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Budde gave a sermon where she asked Trump to have mercy. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

A post shared on X claims that Mariann Edgar Budde, the leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, was removed from her position at the Washington National Cathedral.

 

Verdict: False

Budde has not been removed from her position at the Washington National Cathedral. The origin of the claim is satire.

Fact Check:

Social media users are claiming that Budde was removed from her position at the Washington National Cathedral by the “archdiocese of Washington.”  (RELATED: Did Pope Francis Say That Jesus Was Born During A Census Taken By King David?)

This claim is false. No credible outlets have reported that Budde was removed. Furthermore, the Washington National Cathedral still lists her on its staff website. Her page on the Episcopal Diocese of Washington website does not state she was removed from any positions.

In addition, her page on the Washington National Cathedral website states she “serves as the chair and president of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, which oversees the ministries of the Washington National Cathedral and Cathedral schools.”

The claim originates from satire. It comes from “America Loves Liberty” a page administered by “BustaTroll,” a satirical account.

Check Your Fact reached out to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington for comment.

Elias Atienza

Senior Reporter