Bishops Regret White House Photo Op With Trump Ahead of Midterms
Two US Catholic leaders say they believed the Oval Office visit was private, but released footage sparked debate weeks before the November 3 election.
By Mason Reed ·
Two American Catholic bishops expressed regret over a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on October 22, after images of the event circulated publicly just days before the midterm election. The visit, which took place in the Oval Office, has become a focal point for religious voters weighing their choices in the November 3 vote.
Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, said they believed the gathering was a private discussion rather than a staged political appearance. Grob stated that religious leaders met with White House officials for approximately 90 minutes before being invited to pray with the president. He noted that none of the participants gave permission for the public distribution of photos or video from the event.
Bishop Joensen explained that the meeting was organized by the White House Faith Office to address specific issues, including immigration, visas for international clergy, and the treatment of vulnerable poor persons. He emphasized that the group did not intend to endorse any political party or candidate. Joensen described himself as less shrewd than those who used the meeting for partisan purposes, expressing a wish that he had been more careful.
The release of the footage came from Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser. She shared the behind-the-scenes images on social media. This action prompted concern among some of Grob’s congregants, who worried he had inadvertently participated in a political event so close to the national election. Grob also reported hearing from parishioners who felt wounded because they or their families had been harmed by the president’s policies.
The White House did not directly address the bishops' comments when contacted for clarification. However, White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers issued a statement praising Trump’s record. She declared that there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than Donald Trump, citing his strong performance as proof of that claim.
Public opinion among Catholics has shifted during Trump’s second term. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, only 30% of US Catholics approved of the president’s job performance this month. This is a drop from the 47% approval rating recorded when he returned to office in 2025. The survey data suggests this shift could influence the upcoming congressional races.
The survey found that 42% of Catholics preferred the Democratic candidates in their local House of Representatives races, compared to 39% who favored Republicans. This preference gap aligns with the broader tension between the administration and the Catholic Church. The relationship has been strained by aggressive immigration enforcement measures and recent disputes with Pope Leo XIV. While Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have visited the Vatican, other bishops have criticized the administration's handling of immigration and its brief plan to livestream a military execution.
Source: BBC News
