Two Catholic bishops have expressed concerns about their recent interaction with U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming the event was “exploited” less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Bishop William Joensen of Des Moines, Iowa, issued statements following the distribution of a photo by the White House showing them praying with President Trump during a meeting they attended with ten other bishops.
The meeting invitation, extended by the White House in September, proposed discussions on topics such as immigration enforcement, religious worker visas, abortion, and federal tax credits for private education, according to Grob and Joensen.
Bishop Joensen stated, “I wish I had been more shrewd and less simple, like those who exploited our meeting for partisan political purpose. I pray I am more prudent and wise going forward, even as I remain resolute in my openness to engaging and praying for political leaders at all levels.”
Archbishop Grob, in a statement titled “A Public Apology,” mentioned receiving numerous questions and comments regarding the incident. He expressed regret over the publicization of the event by the White House without the participants’ consent. “I feel a heavy sadness, not only over the pain I caused, but also for the fact that something so sacred to a group of religious leaders, prayer to our Heavenly Father, would be manipulated in that way,” Grob stated.
The Associated Press reported that the White House press office did not answer questions about whether consent was received for releasing the video and photos. Instead, spokeswoman Taylor Rogers commented, “There has never been a greater president for Catholic Americans than President Trump, and his strong record proves it.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment outside of normal working hours. This is an ongoing story and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.