American pastor and politician, Senator Raphael Warnock, has chastised President Donald Trump for his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Senator Warnock, who was speaking at the National Cathedral’s Holy Eucharist and Annual HBCU Welcome Sunday, condemned Trump’s actions, describing many of his policies as a “wholesale, unabashed assault” on DEI initiatives.
The Georgia senator and Baptist pastor reminded Trump that the White House was built by Black hands—enslaved laborers who were never compensated. To Warnock, the White House itself is a testament to DEI.
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“Don’t tell me you reject DEI when you live in a White House built by Black hands,” he declared. “The White House is a DEI house, built by slaves who worked without the benefit of compensation.”
Drawing parallels between DEI and biblical teachings, Warnock referenced scripture to emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
While Trump and his supporters argue that DEI policies discriminate against white Americans, Warnock countered: “Diversity is sometimes offensive. It makes you uncomfortable because when you are accustomed to privilege, diversity might feel like oppression.”
Warnock also praised Bishop Mariann Budde, who had previously urged Trump to have “mercy” on those fearful of his second term, including members of the LGBTQ community, immigrants, and people of color.
Trump, however, lashed out in response, posting on social media: “The so-called Bishop who spoke at the National Prayer Service on Tuesday morning was a Radical Left hard-line Trump hater. She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone and not compelling or smart.”
“She and her church owe the public an apology!” he added.
Warnock stood by Budde, commending her “powerful and prophetic voice” for speaking truth to power.
“In the midst of dark clouds, she had the courage to stand in the best of our tradition and speak the truth,” he said to applause. “And I submit to you that she need not apologize to anybody. When the prophet speaks, the prophet doesn’t apologize. Those who hear are called to repent.”
Since returning to office, Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to eliminate “illegal preferences and discrimination” in government, calling for similar efforts in the private sector.
Following his directive, multiple federal agencies have begun purging DEI-related positions, while major corporations—including Google, McDonald’s, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Tractor Supply—have either scaled back or discontinued their DEI programs.
READ ALSO: Black Americans advised to boycott companies that abandon DEI programs
Watch Senator Warnock’s speech below.
