Catholic Bishops Apologize After Meeting With Trump Seen as Political Exploitation
Several bishops expressed regret over a White House prayer session with former President Trump, stating it was used for political gain less than two weeks before the midterm elections.
A video of Catholic bishops praying with former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office has ignited controversy, with some bishops asserting that their participation was "exploited" for political purposes shortly before the midterm elections. The gathering, which included 12 clergymen, was intended to be a private discussion on issues such as immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, and human dignity, according to Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee.
However, White House officials released images and footage of the prayer, leading to what Grob described in a public apology as deep regret over the event. He stated that the meeting was not an endorsement of Trump, his policies, or his party, and that permission for public distribution of the media was not granted by the bishops. Grob claimed the invitation came from the Heritage Foundation, a think tank involved with Project 2025, and that he was informed there might be an opportunity for private prayer with the President.
The White House has not directly addressed whether permission was secured for the media's release. A spokesperson for the administration, however, stated that Trump has been a significant president for Catholic Americans, citing his pardoning of "pro-life activists."
Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines echoed sentiments of exploitation, noting that while the administration's policies often conflict with Catholic teachings, he attended expecting a dialogue. He expressed a wish to have been more discerning, stating, "I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purposes."
Archbishop James Golka of Denver, who led the prayer, also addressed concerns, emphasizing that his intention was not to endorse any political party or candidate, adhering to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' teaching that the Church cannot champion any specific party or candidate. He stated he was simply acting as a Catholic priest praying for people.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight, successor to Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, clarified that Naumann's presence was in an individual capacity and not representative of the Archdiocese. Naumann's office stated that the bishops were assured no photographs would be made public and that they were there for policy discussions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has distanced itself from the event, confirming it was not organized by or affiliated with the conference.
Trump described the meeting as "really good," and White House Faith Office director Jenny Korn defended the gathering as policy in action with meaningful prayer, not politics.
The controversy surfaces as the Trump administration seeks to maintain support among Catholic voters for the midterm elections. Pew Research Center data from 2025 indicates that 20% of U.S. adults identify as Catholic. Trump's approval rating among this demographic has seen a decline.
Catholic voters are considered crucial in U.S. electoral politics, particularly in midterm elections, as their voting patterns can shift between parties. Trump secured a majority of the Catholic vote in the 2024 Presidential election.
Recent months have also seen increased tensions between the Trump administration and Pope Leo XIV, primarily over immigration policies and the conflict with Iran. This dynamic, coupled with the popularity of the American-born Pope, may be contributing to a growing disaffection among some American Catholics with Trump.
Catholic leaders across the U.S. have previously voiced concerns regarding the Trump administration's policies on immigration and foreign affairs. In January, three Cardinals issued a joint statement on the morality of U.S. foreign policy, aligning with remarks by Pope Leo XIV against a "diplomacy based on force."
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the USCCB, joined Pope Leo XIV in urging a negotiated settlement to the war with Iran.
The administration's immigration enforcement practices, including the rescinding of guidance limiting arrests in sensitive locations like churches, have drawn significant backlash from Catholic leaders. The USCCB approved a message in November 2025 opposing indiscriminate mass deportations and raising concerns about detention conditions and family separation.
Despite these points of contention, relationships between the USCCB and the Republican party, which were once more aligned, particularly on issues like the overturning of Roe v. Wade, have reportedly become more strained. Issues such as visa denials for clergy and cuts to refugee resettlement for Catholic charities have been cited.
However, the notes indicate that Catholic bishops hold diverse views on politics and the Trump administration.