30%: Trump's Catholic Approval Drops as Bishops Regret Oval Office Meeting

Two United States Catholic bishops have expressed regret over a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, following the public release of images showing them praying together.

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, participated in the session on October 22. The event took place in the Oval Office, where the religious leaders stood around the Resolute Desk while Trump prayed.

Grob stated that he believed the gathering was private and not intended to be a political photo opportunity. He noted that after 90 minutes of meetings with officials, the bishops were ushered into the Oval Office for the prayer. Grob said that none of the participants gave permission for the public distribution of video or photos from the event.

Joensen explained that the meeting was arranged by the White House Faith Office to discuss immigration, visas for international clergy, and the exploitation of vulnerable poor persons. In a statement, he said the group did not intend to endorse any political party or individual candidate. He added that he wished he had been more shrewd and less simple than those who exploited the meeting for partisan political purposes.

The video of the meeting was shared by Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser. Martin frequently posts behind-the-scenes images of Trump on social media. The release of the footage prompted concern among some of Grob's congregants less than two weeks before the national election.

Grob wrote that he received messages from people who felt wounded by the president's policies. He said some feared he had inadvertently participated in a political event. The White House did not directly address questions regarding the meeting or the bishops' comments when contacted by the BBC.

White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement that Trump has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans. She cited his strong record as proof of his standing with the faith community.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this month, Trump's approval rating among US Catholics has dropped to 30%. This is down from 47% when he returned to the White House in 2025. The survey indicates that 42% of Catholics prefer the Democratic candidates in local House races, while 39% favor Republicans.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently criticized the administration's immigration policies. The body also condemned plans to livestream a military execution, which were later scrapped. Bishop Brendon Cahill and Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals urged Christian compassion and wisdom in the immigration debate nine days before the Oval Office meeting.

The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, which will determine control of Congress. Both Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who are Catholic, have visited the Vatican during Trump's second term. Archbishops Robert Barron of Minnesota and Timothy Dolan of New York have served on the president's Religious Liberty Commission or visited the Vatican.