30% of US Catholics Approve of Trump as Bishops Regret White House Visit

Two US Catholic bishops expressed regret over their recent White House meeting with President Donald Trump after videos of the session were made public. The images show the religious leaders standing around the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, an event that has drawn scrutiny less than two weeks before the national election.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob stated that he understood the gathering to be private and not a political photo opportunity. He explained that after spending 90 minutes meeting with officials, the group was brought into the Oval Office to pray. Grob noted that none of the participants gave permission for the photos or video to be distributed to the public.

Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, issued a statement saying the meeting was organized by the White House Faith Office. The discussion covered immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. Joensen clarified that the group did not intend to endorse any political party or specific candidate by attending.

Joensen expressed frustration with how the event was portrayed. He said he wished he had been more shrewd and less simple, comparing himself to those who used the meeting for partisan political purposes. He emphasized that the visit was meant to address specific policy concerns rather than signal political alignment.

The video of the meeting was released by Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser. Martin frequently shares behind-the-scenes images of the president on social media. The release prompted immediate reaction from within the Church and among voters.

Grob reported receiving messages of serious concern from congregants. He said some people felt wounded because their families had been harmed by the president's policies. He also received feedback from those who worried he had inadvertently participated in a political event so close to Election Day.

The White House did not directly address questions about the meeting or the bishops' comments when contacted by the BBC. However, White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers issued a statement praising the president's record. She said there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and that his strong record proves it.

Pew Research Center data released this month shows a decline in support for Trump among religious groups. Currently, 30% of US Catholics approve of his job performance. This is down from 47% when he returned to the White House in 2025. The shift could influence the 3 November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.

In the same survey, 42% of Catholics said they preferred Democratic candidates in their local House of Representatives races. Slightly fewer, 39%, favored Republican candidates. This data suggests a narrowing gap in support between the two parties within this demographic.

The tension between the administration and the Catholic Church has been ongoing. Trump has a contentious relationship with Pope Leo XIV, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Nine days before the Oval Office meeting, Bishop Brendon Cahill and Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, issued a statement urging Christian compassion in the immigration debate. They criticized the clampdown for sowing fear and fracturing families. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops also recently condemned the administration's plans to livestream a military execution, a plan that was later scrapped. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both Catholics, have visited the Vatican during this term. Archbishop Robert Barron of Minnesota and former New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan serve on the president's Religious Liberty Commission.