Trump's Catholic Approval Drops to 30% as Bishops Regret White House Visit

Two American Catholic bishops expressed regret over a meeting with President Donald Trump after images of the gathering were released publicly. The photos show the religious leaders standing around Trump at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. The images surfaced two weeks before the 3 November midterm elections, prompting questions about whether the visit was a political endorsement.

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee stated he believed the session was private and not a political photo opportunity. He noted that he began receiving messages of concern from congregants who felt he had inadvertently participated in a political event. Grob added that he heard from individuals who felt wounded by the president's policies. He confirmed that none of the participants gave permission for the public distribution of the video or photos.

Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, said the meeting was arranged by White House Faith Office officials. The agenda included discussions on immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. Joensen stated that the group did not intend to endorse any political party or individual candidate. He described himself as less shrewd than those who exploited the meeting for partisan political purposes.

Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser, released the video of the meeting. She frequently shares behind-the-scenes images of Trump on social media. The White House did not directly address the bishops' comments regarding the meeting. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement that Trump has a strong record that proves he is a greater president for Catholic Americans than anyone else.

Pew Research Center data released this month shows a decline in Trump's approval among US Catholics. Currently, 30% of all US Catholics approve of his job performance, down from 47% when he returned to the White House in 2025. The survey indicates that 42% of Catholics prefer the Democrats in local House of Representatives races, compared to 39% who favor Republicans.

The relationship between Trump and Pope Leo XIV has been contentious during the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement. In September, Bishop Brendon Cahill and Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals urged Christian compassion in the immigration debate. They cited the sowing of fear and fracturing of families. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops also condemned the administration's plan to livestream a military execution, a plan that was later scrapped.

The 3 November elections will determine control of Congress. Both Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are Catholics who have visited the Vatican during this term. Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron serve on the president's Religious Liberty Commission.