Story perspectives

Trump Catholic Approval Drops to 30% After Bishops’ Regret

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 6:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Bishop William Joensen said they regretted meeting President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
White House Faith Office and Heritage Foundation arranged the Oct. 22, 2026 meeting of twelve bishops.
They discussed immigration, religious visas, abortion and tax credits for schools.
Margo Martin posted video without consent, making it a photo opportunity before the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms.
President Donald Trump's Catholic approval fell to 30%.

History

Historical Context

Presidential outreach to Catholic leaders dates back to the first papal-presidential encounter in January 1919, when Pope Benedict XV met Woodrow Wilson, and the inaugural White House visit by Pope John Paul II in 1979. Over 32 such meetings have occurred, most recently in October 2026 when Archbishop Grob and other bishops met President Trump, a pattern that now shapes Catholic voting trends.

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Story summary

Archbishop Jeffrey Grob and Bishop William Joensen said they regretted meeting President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
White House Faith Office and Heritage Foundation arranged the Oct. 22, 2026 meeting of twelve bishops.
They discussed immigration, religious visas, abortion and tax credits for schools.
Margo Martin posted video without consent, making it a photo opportunity before the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms.
President Donald Trump's Catholic approval fell to 30%.

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