Catholic archbishops and bishops found themselves navigating a public backlash after a White House meeting with Donald Trump concluded with an unapproved prayer video released ahead of the midterms.
The Bottom Line
- Thirteen Catholic bishops visited the Oval Office in mid-September 2026 for what they were told would be a confidential meeting.
- The Trump campaign’s official X account subsequently published footage of the bishops praying behind the president, prompting widespread criticism that the church was endorsing a political candidate.
An Oval Office Meeting and an Unvetted Campaign Video
According to statements released by the clerics, the gathering was billed as a confidential meeting, with the possible presence of some Catholic cabinet members. Grob added that a video was also recorded without the bishops’ knowledge.
Catholic Archbishops and Bishops gather in the Oval Office to pray with President @realDonaldTrump. ✝️ pic.twitter.com/O6SQgR76wH
Days later, the video surfaced on the “Trump War Room” social media channel, accompanied by the text: Catholic Archbishops and Bishops gather in the Oval Office to pray with President @realDonaldTrump. ✝️ https://t.co/O6SQgR76wH
. The timing—just under two weeks before high-stakes midterm elections—compounded the optics. The campaign deployed the footage, treating the spiritual gathering as an endorsement, while Donald Trump sought to mobilize his loyal supporters in the face of midterms that could end in disaster for Republicans.
Bishops Issue Public Apologies and Distance Themselves
The fallout was swift. Grob stated that the bishops had granted no permission for photos or videos to be published, lamenting that something as sacred as prayer had been leveraged for political optics, noting deep sadness not only because of the distress caused, but also because something so sacred for a group of religious figures was manipulated in that way. Grob stated he came in good faith to advocate for the welfare of neighbors, alleviate suffering, promote the common good and pray with a president, not to pose for a political photo that benefits a few, and assured people it was never his intention to cause confusion, anger or disappointment among the people entrusted to him, adding that he followed the invitation with reservations and wished he had heeded them.
The White House should never have put us in this position,
Grob wrote.
Similarly, Bishop of Denver James R. Golka, who had led the prayer in the Oval Office and expressed being concerned
prior to the meeting about how the gathering might be interpreted afterward—seeing it on one hand as a great opportunity to address important issues for the good of the church and on the other knowing some people might get upset—stated that because the recordings were published twelve days before the midterm elections, he could understand that many people have understood the video as a political endorsement
after receiving a flood of correspondence and critical comments even from friends. He emphasized that the bishops of the United States teach that the church must not support any candidate or party.
In Des Moines, Bishop William Joensen expressed regret for being less naive regarding how easily religious encounters can be co-opted for partisan utility, noting that the clerics were fully aware of the sensitive timing shortly before the midterm elections while emphasizing that nobody intended to support a party or a candidate.
| Bishop | Diocese | Primary Public Response |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Grob | Milwaukee | Issued a public apology after receiving concerned letters from parishioners. |
| James R. Golka | Denver | Acknowledged the video was understood as an endorsement and emphasized church neutrality. |
| William Joensen | Des Moines | Expressed regret for being naive about the political instrumentalization of the prayer. |
The White House Response Amid Ongoing Fallout
The episode underscores a growing tension where religious figures find themselves at odds with political operatives over the boundaries between spiritual counsel and campaign strategy. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops accused the White House of abusing
the message of the church representatives.
The midterms ultimately proceeded under the shadow of the controversy, leaving church leadership across the country re-evaluating the terms under which they engage with high-profile government officials.
