In brief
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Des Moines Bishop William Joensen have issued apologies after footage of them praying with Donald Trump in the Oval Office circulated during the 2026 election cycle. Both clerics stated that the gathering was a private worship session about immigration and clergy visas, not a partisan event. The images, released by the White House Faith Office, prompted concerns among their congregations and highlighted a widening rift between faith leaders and the administration’s hard‑line immigration stance.
Catholic bishops apologise for their ‘exploited’ meeting with Donald Trump
Two U.S. Catholic bishops have expressed regret after images of them praying with the former president in the Oval Office were shared online, sparking questions over the political nature of the encounter.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob said the gathering was intended as a private worship session about immigration and religious liberty, not a photo‑op for the 2026 elections, but the moment was captured by the White House.
Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines echoed the sentiment, explaining that the meeting was coordinated by the Faith Office to discuss visas for clergy and support for the ‘exploited poor.’ He added that the footage had been shared without their permission and could be misinterpreted as partisan endorsement.
The images came a week before the mid‑term elections where Catholic voters are increasingly leaning toward Democrats over the administration’s hard‑line immigration policies.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said Trump has ‘never been a better president for Catholics,’ but the bishops’ statements highlight a growing tension between faith leaders and the current administration.
