The Right Reverend Mariann Budde, directed her remarks to the new president during the inaugural prayer service at The Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, referencing Trump's belief that he was saved by God from assassination.
"You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now".
The Trump administration has already issued executive orders rolling back transgender rights and toughening immigration policies, saying "criminal aliens" would be deported.
When he returned to the White House, Trump was asked about the sermon.
"Not too exciting, was it?" the president said as he walked with staff toward the Oval Office.
"I didn't think it was a good service. They could do much better."
In her sermon, Budde said they gathered "to pray for unity as a people and a nation — not for agreement, political or otherwise — but for the kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division".
"Unity is not partisan," she said.
Evangelicals were at the service but not on the program
More than a dozen religious leaders spoke during the interfaith service, including those from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
Notably absent from the invited clergy with speaking roles were conservative evangelicals, who are among President Trump's strongest supporters.
The Washington National Cathedral has hosted 10 official inaugural prayer services for presidents of both parties. The tradition dates back to 1933.
Budde has joined other cathedral leaders in criticising Trump previously, rebuking his "racialised rhetoric" and blaming him for inciting violence on January 6, 2021.
Budde was "outraged" in 2020 after Trump staged an appearance in front of St John's Episcopal Church, which is near the White House. He held up a Bible after the area had been cleared of peaceful protesters.
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