Bishops say White House exploited prayer moment
Two Catholic bishops said a White House prayer with President Trump was exploited for politics less than two weeks before the midterms. CNN, The Guardian, the BBC and Fox News reported their regret after photos and video were released. The White House defended Trump's record with Catholics.
Two Catholic bishops who prayed with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office now say the moment was used for partisan politics. CNN, The Guardian, the BBC and Fox News reported their statements after the White House released photos and video of 12 clergy members around Trump's desk on Thursday, less than two weeks before the midterms.
Milwaukee Archbishop Jeffrey Grob issued a public apology. He said he believed the meeting was private, did not agree to release of the footage, and never meant to back the president or his party. Des Moines Bishop William Joensen said the gathering was used for partisan purposes and that he wished he had been more careful.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Trump to Fox News Digital as a strong president for Catholic Americans, citing religious liberty and other priorities. Grob said the meeting was set to discuss immigration rules, religious worker visas and care for the poor, not to stage a campaign photo.
What we know: Two bishops publicly regretted the Oval Office prayer optics. The White House rejected the criticism and defended Trump.
What we don't: Whether other bishops in the room will speak, and whether the episode changes Catholic outreach before Election Day.
Where outlets agree CNN, The Guardian, the BBC and Fox News report two bishops regretted the Oval Office prayer after the White House released images.
Where they differ The bishops say the prayer was exploited for politics. The White House says Trump has a strong record for Catholic Americans and rejects the attack.