30% of US Catholics Approve of Trump as Bishops Apologize for Oval Office Visit

Two United States Catholic bishops expressed regret on Sunday over their recent meeting with President Donald Trump, following the release of images showing them praying with him at the White House. The disclosure occurred just days before the midterm elections, raising questions about the political timing of the event.

The meeting took place on October 22. It was arranged by officials from the White House Faith Office to discuss immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. The bishops stated they did not intend to endorse any political party or individual candidate.

Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, said in a statement that he wished he had been more shrewd in the situation. He noted that others exploited the meeting for partisan political purposes. Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee said he believed the gathering was private and not a political photo opportunity.

The controversy escalated when Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser, released video of the meeting. Martin frequently shares behind-the-scenes images of the president on social media. Grob stated that no participants gave permission for the public distribution of the video or photos.

Grob explained that after 90 minutes of meetings with officials, the group was ushered into the Oval Office to pray. He received messages from congregants expressing concern that he had inadvertently participated in a political event less than two weeks before a national election. Some said they felt wounded because their families had been harmed by the president's policies.

The timing of the apology coincides with a shift in Catholic voter support. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this month, 30% of US Catholics approved of Trump's job performance. This is a drop from 47% when he returned to the White House in 2025. The survey also found that 42% of Catholics preferred Democratic candidates in local House races, compared to 39% who favored Republicans.

The White House did not directly address questions about the meeting or the bishops' comments. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers stated in a release that there has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than Trump, citing his record. The November 3 elections will determine control of Congress.

Tensions between the administration and the Catholic Church have grown during Trump's second term, particularly regarding immigration policies. Nine days before the Oval Office meeting, Bishop Brendon Cahill and Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals urged Christian compassion in the immigration debate. They criticized the clampdown for fracturing families and depleting due process.