Milwaukee archbishop apologizes after White House shares Trump prayer video, alleging politicization

WASHINGTON, DC: Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob publicly apologized on Sunday, October 25, for taking part in an Oval Office prayer that he said was publicized without the participating bishops’ consent, raising concerns about the gathering’s political implications ahead of the November midterm elections.

Grob said the meeting was intended to discuss issues affecting Catholic communities, not to serve as a political photo opportunity. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers has since responded by highlighting President Donald Trump's record on religious liberty and policies the administration says support Catholic Americans.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob says prayer was used for political purposes

Grob issued the apology on Sunday after photographs and video of Thursday's gathering were shared publicly. He said the 12 participating bishops had not consented to the release of the footage and that some Catholics contacted him with concerns that the images could be interpreted as an endorsement of Trump.

“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 said.

He added that the bishops had attended in good faith to discuss issues affecting people and pray with the president, rather than take part in a political photo opportunity. Grob also acknowledged having reservations before attending and apologized for the distress caused by his participation.

White House highlights Trump’s record on religious issues

Rogers defended the president in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying Trump had expanded religious rights, pardoned anti-abortion activists and taken steps the administration describes as protecting children and parental rights.

The meeting was intended to address immigration enforcement, religious worker visas and other Catholic priorities. According to Grob, the bishops first held a discussion with White House domestic policy staff and advisers before entering the Oval Office to pray with Trump. He said the group was unaware that the prayer was being recorded.

Des Moines Bishop William Joensen also criticized how the meeting was publicized, saying the bishops had not intended to endorse a political party or candidate.

Joensen said in a statement that he wished he had been more cautious and described the gathering as having been exploited for partisan political purposes.

Denver Archbishop James Golka, who led the prayer, acknowledged concerns about how the video could be interpreted but said praying for elected officials was a longstanding Catholic practice.

“We pray for people,” Golka said. “No matter whether we agree or disagree on anything, we always pray for our country and leaders.”

The controversy comes amid ongoing disagreements between Catholic leaders and the Trump administration, particularly over immigration policy. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops sued the administration in February 2025 over the suspension of refugee resettlement funding.