Christian World | Milwaukee's archbishop apologised and Des Moines' bishop said the Oct. 22 White House meeting with Trump was 'exploited' politically, EWTN News reports

ACW | October 27, 2026 — Archbishop Jeffrey Grob of Milwaukee has apologised for attending an Oct. 22 White House meeting with President Donald Trump, and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines said the meeting was "exploited."

In a statement posted Oct. 25 on the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's website, Grob wrote that his "intention was never to cause confusion, anger, or disappointment among the people entrusted to my care." He said the meeting "was in no way an endorsement of the president, his policies, or his party."

"We should never have been put in that position by the White House," Grob wrote. He said the bishops did not consent to the publication of the prayer photos and video, and closed: "I apologize for any damage my actions have done."

Joensen said on Oct. 24 that the meeting was "exploited for partisan political purposes," EWTN News reports. He said he disagrees with many administration positions but attended to "have a conversation."

Other bishops responded as well. Archbishop James Golka of Denver, who led the prayer, said it was not a political endorsement. The Diocese of Rapid City said the delegation discussed abortion, school choice and IVF, and a statement from Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Naumann's office said the bishops were assured no photographs would be made public.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said there has "never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump." She did not answer follow-up questions about the bishops' comments.

Background: The bishops say the White House Faith Office invited them to discuss the right to life, the dignity of migrants, religious liberty and school choice. EWTN News reports that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops had no role in the meeting.

Why it matters: EWTN News reports that Bishop Jesús Rodríguez of Palm Beach, who did not attend, said actions perceived as political endorsements "must not be construed as representing the official position of the Catholic Church." The episode raises the question of how church leaders should meet with political power.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Archdiocese of Milwaukee — "A Public Apology," Archbishop Jeffrey Grob; EWTN News — More bishops respond after Trump meeting, prayer

Photo: Archdiocese of Milwaukee