Trump's Catholic Backing Plunges as Bishops Regret Prayer
Two US bishops expressed regret after photos of a private White House meeting with President Trump surfaced two weeks before the midterm election.
By Oscar Fuentes ·
Thirty percent of US Catholics currently approve of President Donald Trump's job performance, a sharp decline from the 47 percent recorded when he assumed office in 2025.
This drop in support coincides with a public statement from Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen. Both men expressed regret over their participation in a White House meeting on October 22, following the release of images showing them praying with the president.
The meeting was arranged by officials from the White House Faith Office. Bishop Joensen stated in an online post that the group discussed immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. He emphasized that the gathering was not intended to endorse any political party or candidate.
"I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purposes," Joensen wrote. The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes, after which the religious leaders were brought to the Oval Office for a prayer session.
Archbishop Grob explained that he believed the encounter was private. He noted that no participants gave permission for the public distribution of the video or photos. The footage was released by Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president who frequently shares behind-the-scenes content on social media.
Grob said he received messages from congregants expressing concern that he had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before the national election. He also noted that some Catholics felt wounded by the president's immigration policies, which have strained relations with Pope Leo XIV.
The White House did not directly address the bishops' comments when contacted. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers issued a statement claiming there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than Trump. The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of Congress, where 42 percent of surveyed Catholics prefer Democratic candidates for House races compared to 39 percent who favor Republicans.
Source: BBC News
